You may inspect your records and ask for a copy. A clear request helps prevent important letters, results or reports from being left out.
Medical records often form the basis for a follow-up appointment, second opinion, complaint or objection.
Under Dutch rules, you may request a copy of all or part of your records without giving a reason. The provider may ask you to prove your identity. The first copy is free. Government.nl explains the right of access; the Dutch government page confirms the rules for copies.
A patient portal or personal health environment can be useful, but check whether it actually shows every relevant part. You may also request a copy directly from the doctor or healthcare organisation.
You may view your records online or with the provider and ask for an electronic or paper copy. Records can include test results, treatment information and referral letters. Source: Government.nl.
The provider should normally act within one month. For a complex request or several requests, it may extend this by up to two months, but must notify you and explain why within the first month. Source: KNMG, in Dutch.
Referral letters, discharge letters and other information from treating doctors that forms part of the record are covered by the right of access and copy. Source: KNMG, in Dutch.
Information about another person may be withheld when that person’s privacy carries greater weight. Personal working notes kept outside the medical record are not covered by the right of access. Source: Government.nl.
A hospital, GP, mental health service or other provider keeps its own records. If you received care in several places, you may need to contact more than one organisation.
State the period and, where relevant, ask specifically for clinical notes, referral and discharge letters, test results, operation or treatment reports, medication information and related correspondence.
Use a secure patient portal, a letter or the route specified by the provider. Keep a copy or confirmation so it is clear when the response period began.
Check that the period is complete and that letters, results and reports are present. Ask specifically about anything that is missing.
You may ask for factual errors or incomplete details to be corrected. If you disagree with a diagnosis or professional judgement, you may ask for your own statement to be added. Source: Government.nl.
I am requesting a digital copy of my complete medical record for the period from [date] to [date]. Please include the clinical notes, referral and discharge letters, test results, treatment and operation reports, medication information and relevant correspondence. Please confirm receipt of this request.
Only include what fits your situation. Do not send a copy of your identity document by ordinary email. Ask the provider which secure method it uses to verify your identity and deliver the records.
Name the specific item, clinician and period. Ask why it was not supplied and when you will receive it.
Many healthcare organisations have a privacy officer or data protection officer who can explain how your access request is being handled.
If the request remains unanswered or a correction is refused, ask for a written explanation and use the provider’s complaints procedure. Read how to file a complaint.
A complete record helps you understand the full picture. For an application, complaint or objection, do not automatically share the entire record. Check which information is genuinely necessary and relevant.
