How to Request CRMC Medical Records With Ease

There are plenty of reasons you may need to get a copy of your CRMC medical records. Community Medical Centers have several facilities throughout the Fresno and Clovis, CA areas. If you have received medical treatment in any CRMC facilities, this post will explain what you need to receive your medical records.

HIPAA and Your Right to Access Health Information

Established in 1966, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides individuals with the right to access "protected health information" (PHI). Specifically, mandate 45 CFR 164.501 outlines a group of records available to be obtained as:

• Medical records and billing records about individuals maintained by or for a covered health care provider;
• Enrollment, payment, claims adjudication, and case or medical management record systems maintained by or for a health plan; or
• Other records are used, in whole or in part, by or for the covered entity to make decisions about individuals. This last category includes records used to make decisions about any individuals, whether or not the records have been used to decide on the particular individual requesting access.

While it is your right to receive your CRMC medical records once requested, it's not a straightforward process, nor is it simple and, at times, can even be costly.

Why Do People Need Their Medical Records?

It's a good idea to keep a copy of your medical records, even if you have no specific reason for it. If an emergency should happen, it would be extremely beneficial to attending physicians or specialists to have quick access to your medical history. But there are other reasons individuals might seek their medical records:

1. Your Doctor is Retiring/Moving: Before your physician retires or relocates, you'll need to get a copy of your medical records to provide your next healthcare provider. It will help them provide you with the best care.
2. You're Switching Doctors: When switching physicians or seeing a different specialist, they'll need your medical history to make informed decisions about your healthcare.
3. You're Moving: When you move, you'll need to find a new physician. Having your medical records will make the process go smoother and quicker.
4. You're Traveling: When traveling, you might experience unfamiliar environments, foods, insects, etc., that can cause medical issues. Having your medical records makes it easier for foreign physicians and nurses to evaluate your needs should a medical crisis arise.
5. You're Creating A Family Medical History: A good family medical history will help identify individuals with a higher-than-usual risk of common disorders such as:

• Heart disease,
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Certain cancers
• Type 2 diabetes

It's also helpful should a family member need to receive a blood transfusion or organ donation.

How to Get (Electronic) Copies of Your Medical Records

CRMC offers individuals the ability to access electronic medical records, with certain limitations. You can access certain parts of your medical records using their MyHealthMate app, available for free. Using MyHealthMate, you'll be able to view, online, your:

1. Diagnosis
2. Current medications
3. Immunizations
4. Lab results

You can request access to electronic medical records for yourself, a minor, or an adolescent proxy by visiting here. For more in-depth medical records, you will need to fill out a request form.

What Information Do I Need to Request My Medical Records From CRMC?

When requesting your medical records, you'll need to be very accurate and thorough with your request. Inaccuracies or missing information can delay your medical records or result in a denial of them.

You'll need to gather the following information to include on your request form:

• Name
• Contact information
• Telephone
• Social Security Number
• Which records you are seeking:
• Physician Report(s) and Test Result(s)
• Radiology Report(s) Only
• Radiology Image(s) – (X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, Mammography)
• Laboratory Test(s) Only
• Complete Medical Record (all pages), (excluding radiology images)
• Billing Records
• Other
• Whether you wish them to release sensitive information such as mental health, drug/alcohol, HIV, or other sensitive details
• The reason for your request
• How you wish to receive them (by mail, fax, or pick-up in person)

You can opt to designate someone to receive your medical records on your behalf. Your form will need to be signed and witnessed by two individuals.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain Medical Records From CRMC?

Generally, each state sets guidelines for the cost of medical records. In California, there is a mandate limiting the amount healthcare providers can charge for medical records. The total cost for your medical records will vary depending on how much medical history you have and which medical records you want.

In CA, the fees are currently:

• Copy Fees for First Pages
• All pages = $0.25/ page
• Reproduction Costs
• Labor and supplies
• Electronic Records
• Actual cost
• Additional Fees and Costs
• $0.50/page fee for microfilm
• Cost of reproduction for x-rays

To find out the exact cost of your records from CRMC, you can contact the Health Information Management Department of the facility that has your records.

How to Request Medical Records From CRMC

Regardless of which CRMC facility you were treated at, the process of requesting your medical records is the same. You will need to download, print, and fill out the request form in either English or Spanish and submit it to the proper facility. You can choose to either fax or mail your request to the appropriate facility:

Get Your CRMC 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. In just three easy steps, DoNotPay can get it done for you.

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 DoNotPay Do?

Aside from CRMC medical records, we can also assist you with the following inquiries:

• Medical Records
• Electronic Health Records
• Medical Records Release Form
• Kaiser Medical Records
• How Long Do Medical Records Are Kept?
• Request Medical Records
• Mercy Medical Records
• Getting Your Medical Records
• Baptist Medical Records
• Cleveland Clinic Medical Records

DoNotPay can help with this and countless other issues. Sign up today to learn more about the many ways DoNotPay makes your life easier.