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MHC Privacy Policy

Michigan Health Connect (MHC) provides a fast and secure exchange of test results and reports among hospitals, labs, x-ray facilities and doctors statewide. Michigan Health Connect does not house a complete record of your health history. It is simply a way for health care providers to access patient medical information that they need to provide you with the highest quality care possible.

MHC is Good for You and Your Doctor

  • MHC is a secure way for your doctor to get the most up-to-date medical information about you. Only health care providers with a valid reason will be allowed to see your test results and reports. Also, information that could help save your life in a medical emergency will be available to emergency room (ER) doctors in the event of an unexpected hospital visit.
  • MHC improves care by sending records to your doctor quickly and safely as soon as they are available. MHC also makes sure your results and records are safe in case of an emergency like a fire or flood.
  • MHC protects privacy by monitoring who has viewed your information. A report of who has looked at your medical information is available from MHC. Your health information is not available to health insurance companies or your employer through MHC.

Non-Participation

Patients who do not want their medical information to be accessible to authorized health care providers through MHC may choose not to participate. If you choose to opt out, health care providers will not be able to look for your records in MHC.  Choosing not to participate means emergency room (ER) doctors will not be able to get information that could help them give you better care or save your life in an emergency. Also,
some providers may decide not to see patients that do not participate in MHC because they will not have access to medical information that would help them give patients the best care possible.

If you do not want to participate in MHC, you must complete MHC’s Non-Participation Form.  Because of the importance of this decision and for your protection, MHC requires that you verify your identity in one of two ways – have the form signed by a health care provider licensed in Michigan, or have the form signed by a notary public.

If you have any questions, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss this important information with you.