The Department of Health Information Management is responsible for maintaining Hospital for Special Surgery patient records. HSS patients or their personal representatives may request access to all or part of their medical record. Examples of specific information that may be requested include the following:
For visits occurring on or after February 1, 2016, HSS patients can view and request selected lab results, health and visit summaries, billing statements, and more on the MyHSS patient portal. Activate a MyHSS account.
Per the 21st Century Cures Act, as of March 18, 2021, you will have immediate access to almost all test results and clinical notes via our patient portal, MyHSS. These include laboratory, pathology and radiology reports, as well as progress, operative and procedure notes. You can also view, download and share radiology images by clicking on the hyperlink that appears at the bottom of the report.
How will I receive my test results and clinical notes?
Test results and clinical notes will be automatically released and visible in your MyHSS portal as soon as they are available. Simply log in to view.
Are there any test results or notes that will not be shared with me?
Certain types of sensitive test results and psychotherapy notes will not be shared via MyHSS. In addition, in special cases test results and notes may be withheld from MyHSS. For example, health information may not be shared while you are participating in a research study.
What do I do if I don’t have a MyHSS account?
If you would like to activate a MyHSS account, please call 844.269.4509.
What is the 21st Century Cures Act?
The 21st Century Cures Act requires the electronic release of certain health information as soon as is reasonably possible with limited exceptions. This law is designed to give patients and their healthcare providers secure, easy access to health information.
Why are these changes important?
When you have access to more information about your care, you will have a better understanding of your care and treatment, become a more involved partner with your healthcare team and be better prepared for future visits.
For immediate access to images: You can access your images, notes, and reports through the MyHSS patient portal free of charge.
Parents and legal guardians (collectively, “Legal Guardians”) of minor patients (age 0-17) of Hospital for Special Surgery, its affiliated entities, and members of its Medical Staff (collectively, “HSS”) can obtain proxy access to the MyHSS account of such minor patients. However, if you are requesting MyHSS Proxy Access to an adolescent patient record (ages 12-17), the adolescent patient and legal guardian must complete a MyHSS Proxy Access Request Form (Minor Patient/Legal Guardian) (NYS Public Health Law §§ 17 and 18).
To request MyHSS Proxy Access, please complete and return the MyHSS Proxy Access Request form via email roirequest@hss.edu or via fax to 212.774.7364 or 212.606.1859.
If you identify erroneous, inaccurate, or incomplete information within your medical record, you have the right to request an amendment or correction to the medical record content. All requests for demographic changes, which include but is not limited to name/address, must include proof of change with a legal document or federal/government issued identification.
The response time for an amendment or correction to health information may take up to 60 days, not to exceed 90 days for a response. The completed form should be forwarded to the contact information listed on the form.
Download the Request for Correction/Amendment for Protected Health Information form and complete all required sections. Please return the completed form via email roirequest@hss.edu or by fax to 212.774.7364 or 212.606.1859.
Patients can request a record of who has accessed or received their health information for certain purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. You are entitled to one free accounting every 12 months. We will respond to your request for an accounting within 60 days. If we need additional time to prepare the accounting you have requested, we will notify you in writing about the reason for the delay and the date when you can expect to receive the accounting.
To request an accounting of disclosure, please complete and return the Accounting of Disclosure Form via email to roirequest@hss.edu or via fax to 212.774.7364 or 212.606.1859.
You have the right to request restrictions on the way we use and disclose your protected health information for treatment, payment, or health care operations. You may also request limitations on how we disclose information about you to family or friends involved in your care. We are not required to agree to your request for a restriction, and in some cases the restriction you request may not be permitted under law. If we do agree, we will be bound by our agreement unless the information is needed to provide you with emergency treatment or to comply with the law.
To request a restriction, please complete and return the Request Restriction form via email to roirequest@hss.edu or via fax to 212.774.7364 or 212.606.1859.
HSS providers can request a copy of a patient’s medical records from any healthcare facility for continuity of care. The HSS provider will work with the patient to complete the HSS Individual Authorization to Obtain Outside Records Form to request outside treatment records from their provider(s).
Are there any test results or notes that will not be shared with me?
Certain types of sensitive test results and psychotherapy notes will not be shared via MyHSS. In addition, in special cases test results and notes may be withheld from MyHSS. For example, health information may not be shared while you are participating in a research study.
I don’t understand my test results. What should I do?
You might see your test results before your provider discusses them with you. Some results may be reported as “abnormal” but have little significance to your health. And, of course, occasionally some results will be important. Other reports will have values and descriptions that may be difficult for you to interpret. If you do not hear from your provider within a few days’ time, or if you have questions, please be sure to reach out directly to the office during business hours.
I see incorrect information in a clinical note. What should I do?
Please reach out to your provider’s office directly during business hours to assist with your request or fill out the Patient Amendments form.
If you have any questions regarding your medical records, please call HSS Health Information Management at 212.606.1254 during regular business hours, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.