How to Request Your Medical Records From Avera Health

If you live in the Midwest, you might have received medical care from one of the hundreds of Avera Health's clinics, hospitals, or senior living facilities. If so, there will likely be a time when you need to request your medical records from Avera. This post will explain what you need to know to obtain a copy of your Avera medical records.

HIPAA and Your Right to Access Health Information

According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) - specifically 45 CFR § 164.524 - individuals have the right to request copies of their individual medical records upon request.

Your medical records will include:

• Treatment history
• Family medical history
• Medication history
• Past and current diagnoses
• Allergies
• Identification information
• Medical directives (such as DNR - Do Not Resuscitate) or living wills

Common Reasons Why You May Need Copies of Your Medical Records

It's a good idea to have copies of your medical records for a variety of reasons. Just as you would store copies of your vital statistics such as your birth certificate and social security card, your medical records are an important part of your life. However, there are more common reasons individuals seek their medical records.

1. You're Moving

If you're moving, you'll likely be finding another healthcare provider. They will need to see copies of your medical conditions and previous treatments, to ensure your medical regime continues as it should.

2. You're Traveling

In some countries, you may need to see a medical professional, and having a copy of your medical records will help them make informed decisions on any medical issues or emergencies you experience while out of the country.

3. You're Applying for Disability

Medical records are necessary to establish your eligibility for Social Security Disability.

4. Your Physician is Retiring/Relocating

You'll need a copy of your medical records to provide to your new healthcare provider.

5. Lawsuit

Particularly, personal injury or vehicular accident litigation will require medical records for proof.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain Medical Records?

The cost of medical records will vary by state and, on average, will range between $0.25 per page to more than $2.00 per page. Avera provides healthcare across four states and the costs in each state are different, accordingly.

What Types of Medical Records Are Restricted From Being Released?

Generally speaking, when you request your medical records, you will receive everything you would need to have a solid grasp on your medical history, treatments, allergies, and needs. However, not everything within your medical history will be available in your medical records.

• Many healthcare facilities document information in order to improve patient experiences and the general running of their business. This information does not identify the individual patient, so it is not covered under HIPAA law.
• Psychotherapy notes are taken by a mental health professional during therapy sessions.
• The information involved in a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding.

In some cases - such as with a lawsuit - you can obtain copies of necessary documentation through the Courts.

What Do You Need to Request Medical Records From Avera?

As with most cases, you'll need to provide specific information in a formal letter, requesting your medical records. Specifically, make sure you have an accurate account of:

• Date of birth
• Name
• Social Security number
• Contact information
• Dates of service and specific records requested (tests, discharge notes, etc.)
• Method of delivery (email, in person, through the mail)
• Email address (if you choose to have them sent via email)

If any of this information is not accurate, your healthcare provider may likely decline your request for your medical records.

How To Request Avera Medical Records

Since Avera has multiple locations, each location has a different form to submit your request for your medical records. You must download, print, sign, and have witnessed the request form before submitting it to Avera's medical records departments.

Iowa

Avera Medical Group Spencer

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information

Lakes Regional Healthcare

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information

Minnesota

Avera Granite Falls Health Center

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information

Avera Marshall Regional Center

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information

Avera Tyler Healthcare

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information

Nebraska

Avera St. Anthony's Hospital

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information
• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information - Spanish

South Dakota

Avera St. Anthony's Hospital

• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information
• HIPAA Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information - Spanish

How To Request Medical Records With DoNotPay

DoNotPay has seen these requests before and knows how to write your health care provider a simple, clear, and effective letter that will get your legally-guaranteed health records for you in no time.

1. Look up medical records on DoNotPay’s website.

2. Enter the name of the health care provider you’d like to receive medical records from.

3. Answer a few questions about your provider and where you’d like to send the records.

What else can do not pay do?

Retrieving medical records represents just one function of DoNotPay. As the world's first robotic lawyer, DoNotPay uses its legal and business expertise to help you with everyday problems and serious legal issues. Check out some examples below:

• Get help with paying your bills
• Request an advance health directive
• Obtain a birth certificate
• Request sick leave

If you’d like to learn more about requesting medical records, check out these helpful articles:

• Learn about obtaining medical records
• How to recover your electronic health records
• How to sign a medical release form electronically
• Obtaining Kaiser medical records
• Obtaining Cleveland Clinic medical records
• Obtaining Mercy medical records
• How to get a medical release form
• How to retrieve your personal medical records
• Learn about obtaining Baptist medical records
• Learn how long are medical records kept
• How to request medical records

We invite you to visit us here for more information on how DoNotPay will save you time and money.