Medical Records – Releasing

When filing a personal injury claim medical records play an especially important role. This article will discuss releasing medical records in a personal injury case.

One thing to note when filing a personal injury claim is that your medical records will be the main focus. This is because you are basically requesting payment for injuries you suffered from the party at fault. Therefore, any hospital/ medical facility where you received treatment will have records of the care they gave and the cost. At one point or another during the case you or the defendant will want those medical records.

Releasing Medical Records

Personal injury cases involving injuries sustained, your attorney will ask you to authorize the release of your records. This request generally includes the following details:

• Patient’s name
• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Patient’s account number
• Patient’s address

The request may also ask for specific records; these may include records for a certain date range. Or all records in the possession of the health care provider.

Your attorney is able to request your records on your behalf as long as you have given your written consent. such written consent must be signed and dated by you. The request to release these records can be done via mail or fax. However, some health care facilities allow for patients to request their records by way of an online portal. In the event that the only option available to you is via mail or fax; it’s wise to confirm receipt. Some providers charge a fee in order to release records to cover postage when such records are mailed. Further, such fees may be required before the records are released.

While all these records are yours, a request to release them may be denied. One main reason for this is lack of patient consent. Therefore, consent is necessary.