At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Georgia personal injury attorneys know that seeking medical care immediately after the incident lets you put your health and well-being first. An early diagnosis and treatment of your injuries can also help prevent further complications and improve your chances of a full recovery.
In addition, prompt medical care ensures that medical professionals promptly document your injuries. This documentation is essential for establishing the extent and severity of your injuries, which is crucial in determining the compensation you may be entitled to in your personal injury claim.
Medical records and reports from healthcare providers then serve as crucial evidence to support your personal injury claim. They document the nature and extent of your injuries, the treatment you received, and the prognosis for your recovery, all of which are essential for proving the damages you are entitled to recover.
To obtain a copy of your medical records, you typically need to follow certain instructions. Here, we discuss the steps necessary to gain access to these essential documents.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Medical Records in Georgia?
The first step is to contact the healthcare provider or facility where you received treatment and request a copy of your medical records. This can often be done by filling out a medical records request form provided by the provider.
Some healthcare providers may also allow you to submit your request online or by phone.
Healthcare providers often require you to complete an authorization form before releasing your medical records. This form typically includes your name, date of birth, contact information, the specific documents you’re requesting, and where you would like the records sent. You may need a form of identification, like a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity before your medical records are released.
Some healthcare providers may charge a fee for copying and processing medical records. The cost varies depending on the provider and the number of pages requested. The Georgia Department of Community Health publishes Medical Records Retrieval Rates, which may change annually.
After submitting your request and any required forms and fees, you must wait for the healthcare provider to process your request. The time it takes to receive your medical records can vary depending on multiple factors, including the provider’s policies and workload.
Once I Receive My Medical Records, Do I Have to Share Them with the Insurance Company?
If you are filing a claim with an insurance company, whether your own or the at-fault party’s insurance company, you will likely need to provide relevant medical records to support your claim.
Chances are, the insurance company will supply you with a medical authorization form allowing them to obtain your medical records directly from your healthcare providers. You are not obligated to sign such a form and have the right to review your medical records before they are released.
It is crucial to be cautious when sharing your medical records and only to provide relevant information to your claim. Giving the insurance company direct access to your complete medical records opens the door for the representative to potentially blame your injuries on pre-existing conditions — instead of the incident.
Ultimately, consulting with our personal injury attorneys can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help you navigate obtaining and sharing your medical records in connection with an insurance claim.
If you have been injured because of another party’s negligence in Georgia, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry today at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This will ensure your rights are protected so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.