How to Send Your Medical Files Securely Before Treatment in Turkey

Sharing your medical information safely before you travel helps your care team understand your health needs, plan appropriate next steps and reduce avoidable delays. This guide explains what to send, how to protect your privacy and how Acibadem International can help you prepare your files for review.

Why secure file sharing matters before you travel

Your medical records help the receiving clinical team understand your diagnosis, symptoms, past treatments, current medicines, allergies and relevant test results. Sending them before treatment in Turkey can allow an initial review, help identify whether further information may be needed and support more efficient planning when you arrive.

Medical files contain sensitive personal information. For your privacy, use only the secure method provided by the hospital or its official international patient services team. If you are unsure whether a message, link or email address is genuine, pause and verify it through an official Acibadem International contact route before sending any documents.

Remote review is not a final diagnosis, a substitute for an in-person assessment or a guarantee that a particular treatment will be suitable. Your specialist may need to examine you, repeat tests or request additional imaging after you arrive, particularly if records are incomplete, older or difficult to interpret.

What medical documents to prepare

Start with the most relevant and recent records rather than sending every document you have. A concise set of organized information is often easier for a clinician to review. If you have a complex medical history, include a short timeline of major diagnoses, operations, admissions and treatments.

• Referral letter, diagnosis letter or consultation notes from your current doctor
• Recent laboratory results, pathology reports and discharge summaries
• Radiology reports and the original imaging files where possible
• A current medication list with doses, frequency and reason for use
• Known allergies, previous reactions to medicines or contrast agents, and important chronic conditions
• Previous procedure or operation reports relevant to your planned consultation

For pathology or biopsy materials, do not arrange to ship slides, tissue blocks or other specimens unless the receiving team specifically asks you to do so and explains the process. These materials may require special handling, customs documentation or separate laboratory arrangements.

Prepare clear, useful files for clinical review

Whenever possible, send readable PDF copies of reports rather than blurred photos. Scan documents in good light, include every page and check that names, dates, laboratory values and signatures are visible. Keep the original papers with you for travel, even after you have uploaded digital copies.

Name files consistently so they can be identified quickly. A practical format is: your surname, document type and date, such as “Taylor_MRI_Report_2026-05-12” or “Taylor_Medication_List_2026-06.” Avoid file names that contain only “scan” or “report,” as these can be confusing when several files are received.

Imaging is especially important to send in the format requested. The written radiology report may be sufficient for an early discussion, but specialists may need the original DICOM images to review scans in detail. If your imaging center gave you a CD, USB drive or download portal, ask whether it can provide DICOM files and a radiology report in English, if available.

Use a secure channel and protect your privacy

Follow the secure upload link, patient portal instructions or official email guidance supplied by the hospital. Check the spelling of the web address and recipient email carefully. Be cautious with links received through unexpected messages, social media accounts or unofficial intermediaries, especially if they ask for passwords, payment details or identity documents without a clear reason.

Do not post medical images or reports on public platforms, and avoid using open public Wi-Fi when uploading sensitive files. If you must use a shared computer, sign out of all accounts after uploading, do not save passwords and delete downloaded copies from the device if it is not yours.

Use a strong, unique password for any portal account and enable available two-factor verification. If files are password-protected, send the password through a separate channel only when requested by the official team. Never send passwords, bank information and medical documents together in one unsecured message.

Include a short health summary for the international team

A one-page health summary can make your records much easier to navigate. Write your full name as shown on your passport, date of birth, country of residence, preferred language, contact details and the reason you are seeking care. Add a brief description of your current symptoms or treatment question, including when symptoms started and whether they are changing.

List all prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies. Include the exact name, dose and how often you take each one. This is important because medicines may have different brand names in different countries, and supplements can interact with anesthesia, procedures or prescription treatment.

Please also state allergies and previous serious reactions, pregnancy or possible pregnancy where relevant, implanted devices, major medical conditions and prior operations. If you need accessibility support, an interpreter or help coordinating travel and accommodation, you can tell Acibadem International patient services at this stage so practical arrangements can be discussed.

What happens after you submit your records

After your files are received, the international patient services team may confirm receipt and ask whether anything is missing. Depending on your needs, records may be shared with the appropriate multidisciplinary specialist team for review. You may be asked for newer results, additional reports, original image files or clarification of your medication and health history.

Keep an eye on the email address or phone number you provided, including your spam or junk folder. Responding promptly to legitimate follow-up questions can help avoid delays. If your health changes after submission, such as a new diagnosis, hospital admission, infection, pregnancy or medication change, notify the team and send updated records.

Bring physical copies, a medication supply in original labeled packaging and any imaging discs or download access details when you travel to Istanbul or another treatment location in Turkey. Digital transfer supports planning, but your in-person consultation and any necessary pre-treatment assessment remain essential parts of safe care.