Medical Records

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Always in Pursuit of a Better Patient Experience

As part of our ongoing effort to improve world-class, compassionate care for you and your family, Northwestern Medicine is improving our electronic health record systems. That means that the specialist you see in Chicago, for instance, can securely view the same information about you as your primary care physician can the suburbs. When our physicians, pharmacists, nurses and specialists are connected to the same electronic health record system, they can make more informed decisions that can lead to better health outcomes.

We began the technology upgrade process on January 27 in our west suburban facilities, and on March 3 in our Chicago and north suburban facilities. Please note that we may need more time to verify your information during this important transition. In addition, your NM MyChart account and data may still be in the process of being transferred to the new system. As a result, all of your prior information might not yet be visible. Once the information transfer is complete, you will be able to see your results as you have before. Please note that MyChart provides access to portions of your medical records regarding visits to participating NM facilities. Available MyChart features may vary by location.

Thank you for your understanding.

Patient Benefits

Patients will experience a more efficient scheduling and registration process, enhanced access to health information via the NM MyChart patient portal, and safer, more coordinated care. Rest assured we do not share your information with healthcare organizations outside Northwestern Medicine without your consent. The new system will also enable:

  • Easier appointment scheduling and bill paying
  • The ability to pre-register for appointments
  • The ability to update current medications and allergies
  • Improved safety due to system alerts for medication interactions
  • Enhanced privacy and security of medical data
  • Improved communications with care teams via NM MyChart

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electronic health record?
An electronic health record system is technology that healthcare providers use to access and update a patient’s medical and health information. A patient’s medical record resides in this system and includes demographic information, vital signs, medications, medical history, immunizations, lab results, radiology reports and more.

What’s the difference between an electronic health record and electronic medical record?

  • An electronic medical record is the electronic version of a paper chart that is shared within a single facility, such as a doctor’s office or a clinic.
  • An electronic health record is the system that enables the secure sharing of the electronic medical record among multiple healthcare facilities and physicians.

Why is Northwestern Medicine upgrading its electronic health record system? Northwestern Medicine continues to invest in the latest technology to provide world-class care. As we expand throughout Chicagoland, it’s important that all of our caregivers, regardless of location, have shared, real-time, secure access to your chart to help ensure your care is effective, coordinated and safe.

Who has access to medical records?
Primary care physicians, specialists, surgeons, pharmacists, and other medical staff can securely access a patient's health information to make better decisions. We do not share information with healthcare organizations outside Northwestern Medicine without patient consent.

Obtain a copy of your medical records

Northwestern Medicine offers convenient access to your medical records. To protect your privacy and security, your medical records cannot be faxed directly to you. You must arrange to either pick up your records in person or ask that they be sent by mail.

If you need information on your medical records, or want copies of them, please contact the Medical Records Department at the hospital where you received treatment. 

Please download and complete an authorization of release form to obtain a copy of your medical records from any of the following Northwestern Medicine facilities.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
NM Central DuPage Hospital
NM Delnor Hospital
NM Kishwaukee Hospital
NM Lake Forest Hospital
NM Lake Forest Hospital - Grayslake
NM Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
NM Valley West Hospital
Health Lab
NM Cancer Center - Geneva
NM Cancer Center - Warrenville
NM KishHealth Ben Gordon Center
NM KishHealth Cancer Center
KishHealth System Physician Group
NM Proton Center
Regional Medical Group

(Authorization for Release of Medical Information Form)

How to submit your Authorization for Release of Information form

Once you've completed your authorization of release form, you can submit your forms conveniently by mail, fax or in-person. Options for submitting your forms include:

Mail completed forms to:
Health Information Management
4175 Chandler Drive
Hanover Park, IL 60133

Fax forms to:
312.926.3093 or 630.938.2160

If you need information about your medical records, or would like to request copies of them, please call 877.9RECORD (877.973.2673).

Hours of operation
Monday–Friday: 8:00 am–4:30 pm

Amend or update your health information

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients have the following rights:

  • To request a change or amendment to their health information if they believe there is an error
  • To obtain a listing of individuals and/or organizations that have received their health information from Northwestern Memorial HealthCare clinical affiliates; this is also known as an Accounting of Disclosures
  • To restrict disclosures of their health information

Please print and complete the appropriate form:

How to submit completed Amendment, Restriction, and Accounting of Disclosure forms:

Northwestern Medicine
Health Information Management
Patients' Privacy Rights
Email to nmhprivacy@nm.org
or fax to 312.926.7686

Related Resources

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