How to get your health data in Poland

As a patient in Poland, you have the legal right to access your medical records from healthcare providers. This right is guaranteed by Polish healthcare laws and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

You can ask Livv Health to retrieve your records for you, or follow the following step-by-step to do it yourself:

Step 1: Access Public Health Data on IKP

In Poland, you can access some of your public health data through the "Internetowe Konto Pacjenta"(IKP) which translates to "Internet Patient Account". This online platform provides information from public healthcare providers, such as e-prescriptions, referrals, and medical appointments. While it doesn't include your complete records, it's a good starting point. Log in with your trusted profile to view available health information.

Step 2: Identify Healthcare Providers

List all the healthcare facilities and providers that may have your medical information, such as your general practitioner, hospitals, clinics, specialists, and diagnostic centers.

Step 3: Contact Each Provider

Contact each healthcare provider on your list. You can request access to your records in person, by phone, mail, or email. Clearly state that you want to access your complete medical records under your rights in the Patient Rights Act and GDPR. Use the template request form provided below.

Step 4: Verify Your Identity

The provider will likely ask you to verify your identity to ensure they release records to the correct person. Be prepared to provide identification.

Step 5: Choose Access Method

Inform the provider how you wish to access your records. You can request to view the records in person at their facility or obtain copies. If requesting copies, specify the desired format (physical or digital).

Step 6: Pay Any Fees

While viewing records on-site should be free, providers may charge reasonable fees for copying and sending records. Ask about any costs upfront.

Step 7: Await Response

Providers should make your records available without undue delay when requested in person. For copy requests, they should respond within the timeframe required by law. Follow up if you don't hear back promptly.

Step 8: Review and Store your Records safely

Upon receiving your records, carefully review them for errors or missing information. Securely store the records as part of your personal medical history file. You can download the Livv Health app to protect and organize your health information effortlessly.

Remember, while some public health data is accessible through IKP, it doesn't replace your right to obtain your complete medical records. Use the template below to assert that right with each of your healthcare providers.

Template Request Form for Medical Records in Poland

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Healthcare Provider Name]
[Healthcare Provider Address]

Dear [Healthcare Provider],

I am writing to request access to my complete medical records maintained by your institution. This request is being made under my rights in the Polish Patient Rights Act (Ustawa o prawach pacjenta) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Article 15.

Please provide me with:

• A full copy of all medical records you hold about me, including but not limited to clinical notes, test results, imaging studies, referrals, and correspondence.

• An explanation of any codes or abbreviations used in the records.

I would prefer to receive the records in [specify format - electronic, hard copy, etc.]. If there are any fees associated with copying or providing the records, please inform me in advance.

If you need any additional information from me, please contact me at [your phone number] or [your email].

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to receiving my complete medical records within the timeframe required by law.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Name]