ByHow to Get Your Medical Records From a Doctor Who Closed Their Practice Using DoNotPay
Perhaps you've recently found out your doctor is closing their practice soon due to the doctor going into retirement. This situation happens more often than you think, but it can also lead to problems if you want access to your medical records.
To gain access to them in that scenario, a lot of protracted procedures usually have to be done. How can you make it go a little faster? can help.
HIPAA and the Right to Access Your Health Information
It seems that HIPAA is brought up a lot in the media nowadays. No doubt you're familiar with it by now as the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. First enacted in the mid-1990s, the mandate allowed you to gain access to your medical records at any time for your own personal benefit.
Yes, this also means gaining access to your medical records in the chance your doctor ends up retiring or moving away. Gaining access to your medical information is a very important process because it helps you keep up with your own medical issues if you're not completely in the loop. Plus, it helps to have them available when you're doing any medical treatments.
It's also important to have your medical records to correct any errors. Only you can scope out what's right or wrong in your medical details.
If it seems as if a healthcare provider violated the HIPAA when dealing with you, you can file a HIPAA complaint at the Office for Civil Rights or OCR. Below is their contact information:
| Office for Civil Rights | |
| Web Portal | OCR Complaint Portal, |
| Mailing Address | Centralized Case Management Operations
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 509F HHH Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20201 |
| Email Address | OCRComplaint@hhs.gov |
They are keen on processing only complaints that they can investigate and so it is imperative that you know if your complaint is worth filing. DoNotPay can assist you no matter what process you need expert advice with.
How to Gain Access to Your Medical Records if Your Doctor Closed Their Practice
You still have the right to get your medical records before the medical practice you attended closes. Your medical practice shouldn't delay getting them to you if you request them, despite requiring filling out authorization forms first.
Other personal information will have to be shown as well. Take a look at this short list to see what you need to bring:
- Your Social Security number.
- Your insurance number proving connection to the hospital/clinic.
- Your birth date.
- A list of the records you need to acquire.
Other Reasons for Acquiring Your Medical Records
Numerous reasons exist as to why having your medical records in your possession is a good idea. First of all, your medical practice could destroy your records after they close if you don't request them. Having this scenario happen could be very problematic, including having to through another medical facility/doctor.
Some other valid reasons you'll want your medical records:
- Being able to track any health wellness programs in your career.
- Contributing personal health information to help with medical research.
- Gain access to medical information when switching providers for yourself, children, or relatives.
How Much Does It Cost to Access Your Medical Records?
Most medical practices that are closing will probably still charge you to get medical record copies. Keep in mind this is usually for physical copies and not something like electronic health records (EHRs). Charges per page usually vary depending on your state.
According to Very Well Health, most states charge at least $1 per medical record page. For copies of imaging tests, fees are frequently more. These could run as much as $100, depending on the complexity of the image.
What Type of Medical Records Might Be Restricted for Release?
You should be able to gain access to nearly all your medical records before the practice closes. However, therapist/psychologist records are usually not available to patients, so keep this in mind if you also want those for your files.
If your medical practice is just moving to another location, you could encounter some delays if they accidentally lose some of your records in the transition.
Gain Quicker Access to Your Medical Records Using Our DoNotPay App
As you can see, it takes far too much time to gain access to your medical records when a medical practice closes down. When you're pressed for time and need your records now, having to fill out forms and wait on the phone is not what you want. Our DoNotPay app helps you attain those medical records faster since we do the work for you.
Use our three easy steps:
- Look up medical records on DoNotPay's website.
- Enter the name of the health care provider you'd like to receive medical records from.
- Answer a few questions about your provider and where you'd like to send the records.
And that's it! We'll create a letter for you to send to your closing healthcare provider requesting your medical records. Just imagine the time this saves you having someone like us do most of the work. It succeeds thanks to our (AI) artificial intelligence technology, helping to get things done faster.
DoNotPay Works With Other Companies at the Click of a Button
Not only can we help you acquire your medical records, but we also solve issues with any company or corporation. If you need your medical records in other states, we'll help you acquire them from:
What Else Can DoNotPay Do for You?
Thanks to the AI technology we use, our DoNotPay app helps you solve many issues ranging from small claims lawsuits to helping you pay late bills. Below are some conundrums that we can handle for you:
- Filing complaints against corporations
- Helping pay your bills.
- Filing a case in small claims court
- Notarizing your document
- Getting a marriage certificate
- Learning what Breach of Contract Means
And so much more! Download DoNotPay right now or sign up on our website to learn more about the vast range of services that we can provide.