Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Detailed Answer
Step 1: Requesting Your Medical Records
Under Maryland law, you have the right to access your medical records. To do so:
- Identify each provider or facility that treated you. This includes hospitals, urgent care centers, specialists and primary care physicians.
- Submit a written request. Many providers offer a form. Include your name, date of birth, treatment dates and signature.
- Cite Maryland Health–General Code § 4-301, which requires providers to furnish records within 30 days of request. See § 4-301.
- Ask for both digital and paper copies. Paper copies may incur a reasonable fee, which providers must disclose in advance.
Step 2: Obtaining Medical Bills and Invoices
Medical bills and itemized invoices show the cost of your treatment. To gather them:
- Contact the billing office for each provider. Specify that you need an itemized statement of all charges, payments and balances.
- Include dates of service and your account number to speed up processing.
- Verify that each line item lists services and supplies separately.
Step 3: Organizing and Verifying Your Documentation
Ensure clarity and consistency before submission:
- Arrange records chronologically, grouping by provider.
- Match bills to treatment notes and doctor’s reports.
- Highlight key entries: dates of service, diagnoses, treatments and amounts billed.
- Confirm that copies are legible. If records are unclear, request certified copies.
Step 4: Submitting Records to Insurers and Attorneys
Once you have your records:
- Send them to your insurer or claims adjuster. Include a cover letter summarizing your injury, treatment history and total medical expenses.
- Provide your attorney with a complete packet. Your lawyer will review and use them to quantify damages and negotiate settlements.
- Keep originals safe. Send only copies and retain originals in a secure folder.
Step 5: Submitting to the Court (if applicable)
If your claim proceeds to litigation:
- File relevant records as exhibits to your complaint or motion. Follow Maryland Rules, including Md. Rule 2-504 for business-records affidavits.
- Use the hospital records exception under Md. Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 10-501 to admit records without additional witness testimony. See § 10-501.
- Serve copies on the opposing party according to Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure.
Helpful Hints
- Track deadlines. HIPAA and Maryland law set timeframes for record delivery.
- Keep a log of all requests, including dates and contacts.
- Ask providers to waive or reduce fees if you cannot afford them.
- Review records for accuracy. Report any missing or incorrect information immediately.
- Consider hiring a medical-records retrieval service if you have many providers.