How Do I Obtain Medical Records in Georgia?

If you suffered a serious injury in a car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. To reach a successful settlement outcome, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and that the negligent behavior caused your injuries.

While there are several examples of evidence that will help prove your claim, including photos from the accident scene or statements from witnesses, your medical records will also provide valuable information. However, there are steps you will need to take to obtain a copy of your medical records.

All medical records are protected by Georgia law, as well as HIPAA Privacy Rules. Technically, your medical records are owned by the healthcare provider who created them. However, physicians are legally required to provide a current copy of a patient’s medical records upon request unless the medical records are needed for a criminal or civil proceeding and may be subject to subpoena. There are three ways that you can request a copy of your medical records, including:

• In person: You can go to your county’s health department and submit an Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information form.
• By mail: Complete and mail the Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information form, and include a copy of your photo identification, as well as a money order payable to your county’s health department.
• By fax: Complete the Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information form and fax it to your county’s health department.

In Georgia, physicians may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing patient records.

How Long Does it Take to Obtain Medical Records?

In most cases, you should receive copies of your medical records within a couple of weeks if you request them from your doctor. If you are requesting them from a hospital, it could take a bit longer. You may need to follow up if you do not receive them within a reasonable amount of time.

What if an Insurance Company Asks to See Your Medical Records?

If an insurance company sends you a medical release form requesting permission to see your medical records, do not sign this form. This can harm your claim in the following ways:

• The insurance company will have access to pre-existing medical conditions.
• They will comb through your medical records to find evidence to suggest that your injuries were not directly caused by the car accident.
• They will use this information to deny your claim or make a lowball settlement offer.

Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Help Clients Obtain Copies of Medical Records

If you were injured in a car accident, our Savannah car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC can help. Our dedicated legal team will address all of your questions and concerns. Call us at 478-254-2007 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.