How to Get Medical Records

Medical records are important for a multitude of reasons. They contain information that helps doctors diagnose illnesses and determine treatment options. In addition, they provide evidence in legal proceedings, they can be required for insurance claims, schools may need them for vaccination records, and some employers may need them to certify fitness for a job. Your health record can include:

• Medical history
• Family medical history
• Test results
• Doctors, nurses, and other clinicians’ notes about you
• General information about you, your personality, and what your doctor thinks of your interactions
• Findings from check-ups and examinations
• Prescribed medication
• Recommendations and next steps for your care

Do you want to know how to get medical records and look up your medical records? You could follow the steps below and manually log each step, ensuring you include all the correct details in each communication, and then store all this somewhere safe while waiting months to get your health information (that always works out so well, eh!). OR, you could make it much easier by using the ChartSquad platform. Sign up for free to and we'll show you how to get access to your medical records and store them all in one secure online platform that only you can access and share with people you specifically choose.

You should start by requesting access to your medical records. This will help identify what kind of information you need. You will often need to send highly sensitive information to prove identity and authority of access, such as:

• Your name
• Your Address and Telephone Number
• Your Email Address
• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• List the records you would like access to
• Provide the dates of service
• Declare your preferred delivery method; this could be by post, via fax, through email, or in person
• Your signature

If you do not receive an immediate response, follow up with another letter.

If you would like to request copies of your medical records, you should make sure that you can show that you have the authority to do so. In addition to that shown above, you may need to provide proof of identity (such as a driver's license) and proof of residency (like a utility bill). Once you have provided these documents, you are normally asked to sign a form authorizing the release of your medical records.

As well as sending letters, you may need to send emails to request access to your medical records. Be sure to include your name, contact information, and why you would like access to the records.

If you do not receive a response within 30 days, you should follow up with another letter requesting access to the health records. You can use a certified mail return receipt request form to make sure you get a response.

It may also be necessary to call the doctor's office directly to ask them to send you copies of your medical records. This is often done by calling the office and asking for the patient coordinator.

These steps can become complicated and take a long time for each, with people often having to follow up multiple times. Also, it's easy to forget key items that are crucial to obtain your medical records, this can cause unwanted delays. The stress involved with trying to retrieve your medical records is often combined with urgency or life events that are made more difficult to cope with when under the strain caused by uncooperative medical records administrators or companies.

So, when you ask yourself "how do I get medical records?", the answer should always be "ChartSquad!"

Having fair and fast access to medical records in the U.S. is of paramount importance for many reasons:

1. Evidence Gathering: Medical records are often a crucial piece of evidence in many civil cases, especially in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death suits. Timely access ensures that we can build a strong case based on factual medical data.

2. Efficiency: Delays in obtaining medical records can significantly slow down the litigation process. Fast access means that cases can progress more smoothly, without unnecessary hold-ups waiting for essential documentation.

3. Client Trust: Clients entrust attorneys with the responsibility of representing their best interests. Being able to promptly obtain and review medical records can bolster a client's confidence in their legal representation.

4. Accurate Damage Assessment: In cases where compensation is sought for medical expenses, pain and suffering, or future medical care, having the complete medical record is essential to accurately quantify damages.

5. Expert Testimony: In many civil cases, expert witnesses, such as doctors or medical professionals, are called upon to provide testimony. Having the complete medical record available allows these experts to form accurate and informed opinions, which can be pivotal in a case.

6. Avoiding Spoliation: Medical records can be lost, misplaced, or even destroyed over time. Prompt access ensures that these vital pieces of evidence are preserved for the duration of the litigation.

7. Transparency and Fairness: Fair access means that both sides of a litigation – the plaintiff and the defendant – have an equal opportunity to review and utilize the medical records. This ensures a level playing field and upholds the principles of justice and fairness.

8. Cost-Efficiency: Delays can be costly, not just in terms of time but also in monetary terms. Fast access can reduce the costs associated with prolonged litigation.

9. Informed Decision Making: Whether deciding on settlement offers or planning trial strategies, having all relevant information, including medical records, allows for more informed decision-making.

10. Upholding Patient Rights: While attorneys seek medical records for litigation purposes, it's essential to remember that these records belong to the patients. Fair and fast access respects and upholds the rights of patients to their own medical information.

In summary, fair and quick access to medical records is not just a convenience; it's a critical component in ensuring justice, efficiency, and the best possible representation for clients in civil litigation.