CITTADINANZATTIVA RESPONDS

“After being admitted to hospital, how do I get my medical records? Do I have to pay, or are they free?”

The Association for Citizen Participation and Protection answers questions about rights and access to healthcare services.

1 July 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

“Hello, I have recently been discharged from hospital following surgery and a period of hospitalisation. I need to obtain my full medical records so that I can submit them to my GP and keep a copy for myself. What is the exact procedure for requesting them? Is the hospital legally obliged to provide them to me, or can it refuse? Finally, are there any costs involved, or is it free of charge?” - Mauro

Medical records contain highly sensitive data that is essential for the continuity of care for every citizen. For this very reason, access to this information must be as quick and straightforward as possible, and today, digital access is the standard to which all healthcare facilities and regions must adhere.Today, the main, fastest and most cost-effective way to access this documentation is the Electronic Health Record (FSE), which is available to all citizens.

How it works

When accessing their FSE (via SPID, CIE or CNS) via their region’s portal or the IO app, citizens should be able to view medical reports, test results and details of their hospitalisation, which are made available directly by the healthcare facility.

Local Health Authority (ASL) portals: many hospital trusts also have their own public-facing portals. Upon discharge, the hospital often provides login details or instructions on how to download your medical records in PDF format directly from their website, as soon as the document has been digitally signed by the doctors.

The costs of digital services: downloading your medical records online from your FSE or the hospital’s portal is completely free of charge and does not involve any administrative or reproduction fees.

The traditional alternative: the paper application

If the Region or the specific organisation is behind schedule with digitisation, or if the citizen prefers a hard copy, the traditional procedure remains in force. The hospital is under an absolute obligation to issue the copy and may not refuse to do so.

The procedure: the application must be submitted to the Medical Records Office or the Public Relations Office (URP) of the facility, by completing a form that can be downloaded online and sent via certified email (PEC) or by registered post (enclosing proof of identity).

Processing times and costs for paper copies: by law, the document must be provided within 30 days of the request. In this case, the service is not free of charge: the organisation may request reimbursement of the material costs of reproduction (photocopies or burning to CD/USB) and any postage costs. The charges must be fixed, transparent and reasonable.

When they are discharged, patients should not hesitate to ask the ward staff directly: “Will my medical records be uploaded automatically to the Electronic Health Record or to your portal?”. This saves time, reduces queues at the reception desks and cuts printing costs.

Should the organisation encounter any issues with the online submission, experience delays of more than 30 days in receiving the paper copy, or be charged disproportionate fees for copies, Cittadinanzattiva’s Intervention and Protection Centres are available to offer support and resolve the matter.

For further information, please visit the website for the health record and that of Cittadinanzattiva

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