Military Health Records

Requesting Military Health Records

You can access your military health records in MHS GENESIS.

Can’t find the records you’re looking for? Contact your local military hospital or clinic. Visit your military hospital or clinic’s website to learn more about requesting records at your facility.

Requests for military health records must include the proper authorization and release from the beneficiary.

If your military hospital or clinic no longer has your records, they may have been archived. Your military hospital or clinic will transfer archived records to the National Archives and Records Administration.

Requesting Children’s Records

Generally, parents may have access to their child's (under age 18) medical records when laws allow parents or guardians to make treatment decisions for their child. The only exceptions (when a parent isn’t a "personal representative" with respect to health information about a child) are:

• When state law or other law doesn’t require consent of a parent before the minor can obtain a healthcare service
• When a court appoints someone other than the parent to make treatment decisions
• When the parent agrees that the minor and the provider may have a confidential relationship

Is your child age 18 or older? He or she needs to fill out DD Form 2870 for parents, guardians, or someone else to have access to his or her medical records.

Permanent Change of Station

Are you a service member under permanent change of station orders? You should request a copy of your medical records from the administration or records office. Do this at least one month before the PCS date.

Service members under PCS orders may request to transfer copies of their family members’ medical records to the military hospital or clinic nearest to the new duty station.  

• Would you like another party to have access to your medical records? Complete an Authorization to Release Information form.
• You should also request copies of medical and dental records from any civilian healthcare providers you’ve visited.

Deploying

Your electronic health record will include any medical care you get while deployed. 

Would you like your spouse to have access to your medical records while you're deployed? Fill out an Authorization to Release Information form. 

Retiring or Separating

Before you retire or separate, request paper copies of your medical record and your family members’ medical records. 

Sharing Military Health Records

Sharing Records with the VA

When you leave military service, the Department of Defense sends some information to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA may access your DOD EHR, depending on your health history and dates of service. Some records may not be available through the joint Health Information Exchange. Need to get your VA records? Learn how to request them.

Sharing Records with Family Members

Would you like someone else to access your medical records? This can be a spouse, family member, or attorney. Fill out and submit DD Form 2870.

Sharing Records with Providers and Third Parties

Your military provider can, and sometimes must, share your personal health information with other providers or third parties. This is outlined in the Military Health System Notice of Privacy Practices. For example, your provider may disclose your PHI for law enforcement purposes or to public health authorities. The law permits these authorities to collect and receive such information. If you have questions, contact the privacy officer at your military hospital or clinic.

Joint Health Information Exchange

The joint Health Information Exchange, or jHIE, is a network of exchange partners who securely share clinical information across the U.S. It includes TRICARE-authorized civilian providers. Not all medical organizations participate. But sharing your health information can save time. It can also improve your care when you visit providers who participate.

Your military health records are automatically shared in the jHIE, but you can choose to opt out. Active duty service members, National Guard members, and Reservists must participate in the jHIE.

Learn more about the jHIE

Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record

Are you a service member? You can register for the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record. ILER is a secure, web-based application. It contains data about known occupational and environmental health exposures throughout your career. It also links known exposure events to incidents. ILER helps your providers individualize your healthcare.