Everyone should read their medical record. It helps pick up mistakes that you can tell your doctor about. It also may remind you of a medical problem that you forgot to mention or a family history issue you left off. The best time to read it is while you are in the privacy of an exam room where you will not be interrupted and will be away from nosy people. Also, as you are moved to the exam room ask for copies of recent tests or xray reports so you can review them and ask questions about them. If you have a serious medical problem it is important to you to have copies of your records and your doctor's mailing address and phone #. Always keep copies of any pathology reports. If you change doctors or have to deal with an insurance company you will probably need them.