Medical records

Medical practitioners in the Netherlands are required to maintain records for each patient. These records contain various details including the patient’s health and the treatment prescribed by the medical practitioner.

Citizen service number (BSN)

You are obliged to include the patient’s citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN) in your records and to use this number when exchanging information.

Right to view the records

A patient has the right to view his/her medical records. The only details the patient may not access are the practitioner’s own notes and any details that may affect the privacy of a third party. Records must be maintained for at least 15 years.

Electronic health record (EPD)

You can use an electronic health record (Elektronisch Patiëntendossier, EPD) to exchange medical details with another care provider about a patient who you both treat. You can connect to the national EPD system voluntarily. For more information, please contact the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

UZI card and AGB code

If you handle health care details and you want to access confidential patient information online, you will need an UZI card. You can obtain the UZI card from the Dutch Unique Healthcare Provider Identification Register (UZI-register). On the application form, you have to fill in your ‘AGB code’ (‘AGB’ stands for Algemeen Gegevensbeheer Zorgverleners, i.e. General Database for Care Providers). You can apply for this code at AGBcode.nl. You use the AGB code in the electronic invoicing process between you and your health care provider.