Medical records in France: prepare the right request
To obtain medical records in France, address the request to the health professional or director of the establishment holding them. Identify the information sought and establish your identity or capacity to act. In the general case, communication occurs no earlier than 48 hours and within eight days; certain situations extend the period to two months. This page prepares document access without interpreting medical content or assessing care.
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Who holds the records I need?
Identify the relevant professional or establishment. A single record does not replace every separately held file. Source M1
Who should receive the request?
The independent health professional or the director of the establishment holding the records, as applicable. Source M1Source M3
In what capacity can I request access?
Distinguish personal access, representation, a mandate and access after death. Conditions differ; a family relationship alone does not establish everything. Source M1Source M3
How can I prepare a medical-records request?
Describe the records and period, without entering a diagnosis. The personal letter appears for a request on your own behalf; other capacities require specific evidence and conditions.
Fictional example · you can change the fields
Your entries stay on this page until you choose to continue.
Your preparation
Your personal request to complete
- Public healthcare establishment
- Specify the records and establish identity under the holder’s procedure.
- General reference: a 48-hour minimum and eight-day maximum.
À l’attention du directeur de [établissement détenteur] Objet : demande d’accès à mon dossier médical Madame, Monsieur, Je souhaite obtenir communication des informations suivantes : [préciser en français les documents et la période]. Merci de m’indiquer les modalités de consultation ou de remise des copies et les éventuels frais applicables. Je justifie mon identité selon les modalités de votre service. [Identité, coordonnées, modalité souhaitée, date et signature]
What information belongs in the request?
State the holder, period and records sought, with evidence required for your capacity. Avoid an unnecessary medical narrative. Source M1
What timing applies in the general case?
Communication follows a minimum of 48 hours and occurs within eight days. Separate any special rules. Source M1Source M2Source M3
| Situation | Reference period | Scope limit |
|---|---|---|
| General case | After 48 hours and within eight days | Identify a valid request and the relevant records |
| Information more than five years old | Period extended to two months | Check the age of the requested information |
| Special psychiatric-commission case | Two months in the officially described case | Do not apply to all psychiatric records |
What happens in the other cases?
- Personal request
- Establish identity and specify the holder, period and records. Do not send identity evidence to an unverified recipient.
- Mandate, representation or death
- Check capacity, supporting evidence and scope of access. A family relationship alone does not automatically grant access to the full file.
- Refusal
- The route depends on the holder and its status, including public or private. Check the official guide’s branch before contacting a body.
When does the two-month period apply?
It applies notably to information more than five years old and the specific psychiatric-commission situation described by the official guide. Source M1Source M2
How should I retain evidence of the request?
Keep the text, attachments, sending evidence and replies. The template prepares the process; this page sends no letter.
What happens after a refusal?
The route depends on the holder: public or public-service establishment, private establishment or independent practitioner. Check the official branch. Source M1