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How to Fix a Mistake in Your Medical Record

Updated October 2026

If you find an error in your medical record, you can ask for it to be corrected. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Find the exact mistake

Write down what is wrong, which page or date it is on, and what it should say. Keep a copy of the page.

Step 2: Ask the provider in writing for an amendment

Contact the office that made the record. Many have a form for this. If not, send a short letter describing the error and the correction.

Step 3: Expect an answer

The provider decides whether to make the change. If it agrees, it adds the correction to your record.

Step 4: If it says no, add your statement

You can submit a statement of disagreement, which the provider must add to your record along with the denial.

Step 5: Check your other records

The same error may be in other places, such as a hospital, a lab or your insurer. Ask each to fix it too.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Sources: HHS: Medical Records, HHS: Timeliness, HHS: Sending records to a third party, HealthIT.gov.