Inroduction: Medical records departments using the modern systems and standards to keep the patients' medical records, and make them available for the future services or collecting statistical data and conducting research . The collected statistics will be used in the advancement of medical education, and achieving its objectives. Object The purpose of this study was to find out the situation in medical records departments in the hospitals affiliated to (IUMS).

Methods: This is a descriptive study its data is collected by taking a census. All of the medical records departments in the IUMS hospitals and clinics have been reviewed by direct observation, interview and filling out a questionnaire consisting of 334 open and closed questions in the year 2000.

 Results: Our results of show that 4.3% of the of medical records departments heads have an M.Sc.degree, 52.1% a B.Sc., 8.6% an A.S.(associate's degree), 30.4% a high school diploma, 4.3% have less than a high school diploma. And 82.6% are female and 17.4% are male. The survey on the methods of giving an appointment to the patients in the studied hospitals show that 52.1% give their appointments by admittance,8.6% by department secretary, 4.3% according to a calendar,13%according to the physician's fixed time, and 21.7% give daily appointments. Considering the reference system and getting patient satisfaction, 44% of the centers adhere the internal regulations. Also regarding the patient's rights in admittance, medical emergencies, trauma and reference system, 5% of the centers consider the oral regulations.

Conclusions: The findings show that there is no written policy and regulations concerning the day to day works of the medical records departments.