How to gather and submit medical records and bills to support an injury claim Maryland

The information on this site is for general informational purposes only, may be outdated, and is not legal advice; do not rely on it without consulting your own attorney. See full disclaimer.

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:

  1. Identify each provider or facility that treated you. This includes hospitals, urgent care centers, specialists and primary care physicians.
  2. Submit a written request. Many providers offer a form. Include your name, date of birth, treatment dates and signature.
  3. Cite Maryland Health–General Code § 4-301, which requires providers to furnish records within 30 days of request. See § 4-301.
  4. 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:

  1. Send them to your insurer or claims adjuster. Include a cover letter summarizing your injury, treatment history and total medical expenses.
  2. Provide your attorney with a complete packet. Your lawyer will review and use them to quantify damages and negotiate settlements.
  3. 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.

The information on this site is for general informational purposes only, may be outdated, and is not legal advice; do not rely on it without consulting your own attorney. See full disclaimer.