While there is no legal obligation for doctors to transfer patient records there is a professional
expectation that doctors will provide the new treating doctor with relevant details of your history
upon request.
The accepted practice is for the doctor who takes over management to seek relevant information
from the former practice that will enable him or her to continue management. The usual practice is
for the patient to ask your new doctor to arrange for the transfer of the records and to sign a
consent form authorising this request.
Some doctors may charge a fee for handling and copying their records, but this should reflect only
the administrative costs involved. Your former doctor may charge you a fee for providing a summary,
especially if your history is long and/ or complex.