Health Information Management

patient health folders in a row

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) Health Information Management (HIM) is responsible for the maintenance of health information, including medical records, for the HCPH clinics. HIM works to maintain a proficient health information management (medical records) system that meets all applicable state and federal laws. This ensures that medical records are handled with confidentiality in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. 

HCPH does not keep birth or death certificates. Information on requesting these and marriage and divorce records is provided below.

Requesting copies of medical records:

Medical records from a HCPH clinic:
HCPH only maintains medical records for patients seen at HCPH clinics These medical records may be obtained by calling HCPH HIM at 832-927-7350. Please be prepared to present a valid photo ID. Confidential, protected health information cannot be released without these two items:

  • A valid photo ID
  • A signed Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information Form

Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information Form English | Español
Note: Medical records cost $25.00 for 1-10 pages, and $1.63 for each additional page. Immunization fee of $5.00

Medical records from any Houston Department of Health and Human Services location inside the City of Houston:
Call 832.393.5169. Press “0” to speak with a health department representative.

Medical records from Harris Health System hospitals:
For medical records for services provided at Harris Health System hospitals (Ben Taub, LBJ, and Quentin Mease) and Community Centers, go here.

Immunization Records from HCPH clinics:
Copies of immunization records for vaccines given at HCPH clinic locations and immunizations given by Texas health care providers using ImmTrac (Texas Immunization Registry) may be obtained by calling the appropriate HCPH clinic or by calling Health Information Management at 832-927-7646.

Requesting copies of birth, death, and marriage and divorce certification letters: 

To request certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records for births and deaths within the City of Houston, there are two ways to apply:

  1. In person:
    Houston Department of Health and Human Services 
    Bureau of Vital Statistics
    8000 North Stadium Drive
    Houston, TX 77054
    Call 311 or 713.837.0311 (City of Houston Information Line)
  2. Online:
    City of Houston 311 Service Request; Select birth or death records. 

Note: HCPH does not keep birth or death certificates.

To request certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records that occurred within Texas but outside of the City of Houston, there are two ways to apply: 

  1. Online and by mail:
    Texas Vital Statistics
    Texas Department of State Health Services
    P.O. Box 12040
    Austin, Texas 78711-2040
    Call 1.888.963.7111
  2. Online:
    Texas.gov