Release Of Information At Stanford Health Care Explained
- 01. How to request your records at Stanford Health Care quickly
- 02. What Stanford requires
- 03. How to submit
- 04. Processing timeline
- 05. Key contact details
- 06. Step-by-step request
- 07. What to ask for
- 08. Special cases
- 09. Practical tips
- 10. Why speed matters
- 11. Frequently asked
- 12. Bottom line for patients
How to request your records at Stanford Health Care quickly
The fastest way to handle a Stanford Health Care release of information request is to complete the required authorization form, specify exactly which records you need, and submit it to Health Information Management Services by the approved channel; Stanford says requests are generally processed within up to 14 calendar days. Stanford Health Care also notes that a signed authorization is required before releasing records to the patient or anyone else, and questions can be directed to 650-723-5721.
What Stanford requires
Stanford Health Care requires a completed and signed authorization form before it releases health information, even when the request comes from the patient. Stanford also says that in some cases a physician, psychologist, or social worker may need to approve the request, especially when sensitive information is involved.
The request should identify exactly what records are needed, because Stanford recommends specifying components such as discharge summaries, operative reports, and history and physical notes when those are sufficient. Requests for psychiatric care, AIDS/HIV, alcohol or drug abuse, and fertility treatment must be separately signed or initialed where required.
How to submit
Stanford Health Care accepts paper submissions for the release of information process, and the authorization form can be completed in English or Spanish. The completed form may be mailed to Stanford Health Care Health Information Management Services, Patient Records, 450 Broadway, Mail Code 6330, Redwood City, CA 94063.
For electronic health information requests under the 21st Century Cures Act, Stanford says it can provide an Electronic Health Information export upon request, and the instructions direct patients to submit the required document to SHC HIMS at 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305. Stanford recommends calling 650-723-5721 for help if you are unsure which route fits your situation.
Processing timeline
Stanford Health Care says to allow up to 14 calendar days for processing after the request is submitted. If you choose pickup, the Release of Information office will contact you when the records are ready, and a photo ID is required at pickup.
If someone other than the patient picks up the records, Stanford requires an original signed authorization letter from the patient plus a photo ID. That extra step matters because the records contain protected health information and Stanford treats identity verification as part of the release workflow.
Key contact details
| Item | Details | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| HIMS phone | 650-723-5721 | Main number for Stanford Health Care release-of-information questions. |
| Mailing address | 450 Broadway, Mail Code 6330, Redwood City, CA 94063 | Used for paper record requests. |
| EHI request address | 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305 | Used for Electronic Health Information export requests. |
| Processing time | Up to 14 calendar days | Sets expectations for record release. |
Step-by-step request
- Download or complete the Stanford Health Care authorization form and sign it.
- List the exact records, dates of service, or document types you want.
- Initial any sensitive categories if your request includes them.
- Choose how you want the records delivered: pickup, mail, or electronic export if eligible.
- Submit the form to Stanford Health Care Health Information Management Services.
- Wait for confirmation and respond promptly if Stanford asks for identity verification or missing information.
What to ask for
The most efficient request is usually the narrowest one that still meets your needs. Stanford highlights discharge summaries, operative reports, and history and physical notes as commonly useful records, because they often contain the core details needed for follow-up care, insurance review, or transfer to another provider.
If you are requesting imaging rather than the full chart, Stanford provides a separate process for CD copies of medical images, and the request should include the dates of service and the exam you want. That distinction matters because a general chart request does not always produce radiology images in the format patients expect.
Special cases
Some records need extra consent because they contain especially sensitive information. Stanford states that psychiatric care, AIDS/HIV, alcohol or drug abuse, and fertility treatment require special signing or initials, and that some requests may need additional clinician approval before release.
For pediatric or proxy access, Stanford points patients to its online share-access programs, which can be faster than paper release for ongoing record access. Stanford Medicine Children's Health also states that requests may be submitted by MyChart, mail, fax, or email, and that its release-of-information office no longer has a physical walk-in location.
Practical tips
The quickest requests are the ones with no missing fields, no vague wording, and no uncertainty about delivery method. A well-prepared release request should include the patient's identifying information, dates of treatment, the exact record types needed, and the correct signature for any sensitive categories.
- Use the exact dates of care whenever possible.
- Ask for specific document types instead of "all records" unless you truly need the entire file.
- Include a copy of ID if Stanford requests verification.
- Choose one delivery method to avoid delay.
- Call first if you are unsure whether you need the EHI export, chart notes, or imaging.
Why speed matters
Medical record requests often slow down because patients ask for "everything" without naming the records that matter most. Stanford's own guidance suggests that targeted requests are easier to process, and that approach also reduces the chance you will receive a large packet of unnecessary material.
In real-world release workflows, the biggest delay is usually not the office itself but missing signatures, incomplete dates, or unclear authorization language. A clean request can move through the HIMS department faster because staff can verify the release criteria without repeatedly contacting the requester for corrections.
Frequently asked
Bottom line for patients
If you want Stanford Health Care records quickly, submit a fully completed authorization, request only the records you need, and use the correct delivery path for chart notes, imaging, or an electronic export. Stanford's published process is straightforward, but it moves fastest when the request is precise, signed, and complete.
Everything you need to know about Release Of Information At Stanford Health Care Explained
How long does Stanford Health Care take to release records?
Stanford Health Care says to allow up to 14 calendar days after the request is submitted. If you choose pickup, you will be contacted when the records are ready.
Can I request my records for myself?
Yes. Stanford states that a patient may inspect or obtain a copy of their own medical records, but a signed authorization is still required before release.
Do I need a separate form for sensitive records?
Yes. Stanford says requests involving psychiatric care, AIDS/HIV, alcohol or drug abuse, and fertility treatment require special signing or initials.
Where do I mail the request?
For Stanford Health Care paper requests, mail the completed form to Health Information Management Services, Patient Records, 450 Broadway, Mail Code 6330, Redwood City, CA 94063. For EHI export requests, Stanford's instructions direct submission to 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305.
Who can help if I get stuck?
Stanford Health Care says to contact Health Information Management Services at 650-723-5721 for questions about the release of health information process.