# medical record

CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/medical-record
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

a collection of information about your health history, including your past illnesses, tests, and medicines. Doctors use this to track your care over time.

For teachers: a historical log of a patient's health information, including diagnoses, clinical observations, laboratory results, and treatment plans. This documentation serves as a legal and clinical instrument to ensure continuity of care.

## Examples

- The doctor needs to check your medical record before the surgery.
- After moving to a different city, you should request a transfer of your medical record to your new primary care physician.
- Digital encryption ensures that a patient's medical record remains confidential while allowing authorised specialists to access critical diagnostic history instantaneously across different hospital departments.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural ('medical records') when referring to the general storage or department handling such documents.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.