Your Right to Your Medical Records
According to HIPAA, and many state laws, you have a right to view your medical records. Whatever the reason – whether you are moving, switching doctors, or consulting a specialist for a certain condition – you are allowed to view these records. However, you need to keep some things in mind when you set out requesting your records
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They Do Not Last Forever
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Medical Offices are Busy
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There is Red Tape
While doctors and hospitals are required to keep your medical information, they do not always store it indefinitely. They are required to store your medical records for a certain period of time after your last visit, at which point they can destroy the documents. That’s not saying that a doctor won’t have your records from twenty years ago, but time is certainly of the essence. If you want to secure a copy of your medical records to simply have on hand, that’s not a bad idea.
If you are in a rush to get your hands on a copy of your medical records, you might quickly become frustrated. Just take a moment and think about how busy your doctor’s office was the last time you had a visit. Did you sit in the waiting room after your slotted appointment time passed by? The last time you called the office, were you placed on hold while the administrative staff dealt with other inquiries or sorted through your inquiry? Doctor’s offices are busy and their focus is primarily giving patients the best care possible. This means that medical record requests can slip through the cracks, or simply fall at the bottom of a “to-do” list. HIPAA gives facilities 30 days to produce your records, which is likely longer than you’d like to wait.
Getting a copy of your medical records is not nearly as simple as you think. You won’t be able to simply stroll into a medical facility, request the documents and walk out with them. You will need to request, complete and sign an authorization request. You will then need to specify the type of information you are requesting, since medical records can be hundreds of pages, and you will be asked to show photo ID as well. Then the waiting begins. It can be a stressful process, especially if you are dealing with a large facility.
Certified Field Agent Can Help
Since 1993, Certified Field Agent has been helping clients throughout the country in securing their medical records. Our Certified Field Agents are able to work with you to gather the proper authorization and information to track down your medical records for you. If medical records aren’t all you seek, Certified Field Agent can still help! From marriage licenses, divorce decrees, birth certificates and other medical, legal and court documents, Certified Field Agent can help secure your documents. Give us a call at 714-632-3480 to learn more.
