How to Order Medical Records

You’re moving to a new city.
You’re changing doctors.
You’ve been discharged from the military.
You’re seeing a specialist.

Whatever the reason, you need a copy of your medical records. It might seem easy to give your doctor a call and have them send you everything you need. However, as you know, from the numerous times you’ve sat in the waiting room well beyond your allotted appointment time, doctor’s offices are busy.

There are obviously assistants and office clerks, but from the amount of time you’ve spent on hold while trying to get an appointment after a sudden onslaught of the flu, you know that they are often just as busy.

So, you see that obtaining your medical records is not always an easy task. In fact there are many steps to take.

1.  Complete an Authorization Form

Your journey will start with you filling out an authorization form with your provider’s health information management department, or administrative staff. You will need to do this digitally – if your provider offers it – or stop in at the office to fill it out. Once you complete and sign the authorization form, you are on your way.

2.  Select Appropriate Records

The next step is to explain what forms you would like copied. This is also difficult, because you are not a doctor and do not know what specific records you need. You can ask the HIM professional to help you out, but medical records can be hundreds of pages long. You can also request the format you would like them to be delivered in – CD, DVD, USB or via secure email.

3.  Get Your Records

If you are getting your records in person, the medical facility will ask for a photo ID. If you are picking up documents for someone else, either a spouse, parent or other relative, you will need to have even more legal documents.

The process might seem simple, as it’s technically only three steps. However, it can take time and be quite frustrating. You will spend time in the car, time on hold and time sorting through information to determine what you actually need.

You will also spend time waiting since HIPAA allows healthcare facilities 30 days to complete a medical record request, with the availability for another 30-day extension with cause. Though most facilities can fulfill requests within two weeks, you can still find yourself waiting.

Order Medical Records Can Simplify the Process

If going through the steps listed above doesn’t seem too appealing, consider Order Medical Records. With our simple online ordering process, you can fill out a simple form and we will take care of the rest! That means you can sit back, relax, and wait for us to do all of the work for you. If you’re interested in learning more, give us a call at 714 559-3071.