A Healthcare provider owes a duty to provide you with your medical records, and there are clear rules that dictate that they are to provide you with your medical records in a timely fasion and for a reasonable cost. In Missouri it's the law. While obtaining your own medical records can be easily done, sometimes getting the medical records of a loved one or a family member can be harder. But guess what, under Missouri law you can still obtain those records.
In this FAQ we're going to detail how you can obtain your medical records, how you can obtain your family's medical records, and how you can request the medical records of either a deceased loved one or a deceased family member. If you have any questions about this FAQ, or if the facility you're trying to get the medical records from won't cooperate, call us, our Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Louis can help. We can be reached at 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222
How to get Copies of Your Medical Records
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Whenever you go to the doctor, are injured and go to a specialist, or for any reason you ever see a health professional, chances are that you also have medical records that you can request. But how do you go about getting those records? Do you have to pay for them? What if the hospital or health professional gives push back or says no? What are the proper steps to get your health records?
- Step 1 - Request your Medical Records from your Health Provider. You'll need to fill out any HIPPA forms that they require to release the information. Make sure to request everything in writing. Also, you may be required to pay a reasonable fee for the copies.
- Step 2 - If they refuse to provide medical records to you, you can, under Missouri and Illinois law sue the organization to get those medical records.
- Step 3 - What if its for a loved one? As the next of kin, or the personal representative of the estate, you are still entitled to those records. Be insistent about getting all of the medical records, not just the bills, but also any health files or reports, tests, etc.
- Step 4 - What if the medical records you are trying to recover pertain someone that is deceased? These cases can be more difficult. Gary and the team recently had to sue a health provider to get the records. Remember, you have to be insistent about getting the records, and stress how you have a legal right to those records.
It's important to remember that hospital and health providers owe you a duty towards your medical records. You have a right to those records and access to those records. Now, they can request that you pay for the copies of the records, but it has to be a reasonable cost. They can't charge you whatever they want to keep you from getting the records. Missouri and Illinois Laws both protect your rights and access to the records.
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People who have potential personal injury claims often don't take them on because they believe that they either can't afford a lawyer, or they can't afford the court costs or fees that can from a legal battle. With our Personal Injury Law Firm in St. Louis, you'll never pay anything unless we win your personal injury claim. We fight hard for the rights and recoveries of our clients, and we never settle for anything less than the full recovery that they are owed. If you family needs a dedicated and aggressive personal injury lawyer to fight for your rights, we can help you. Call our team at 314-542-2222 or 618-272-2222.