What To Know Before Requesting Medical Records: Marshfield Clinic Release of Information
Medical records contain sensitive and confidential information that is essential for making important healthcare decisions. Whether you need your medical records for personal reference, second opinion, or travel purposes, it’s crucial to understand the legal and practical aspects of obtaining your medical records.
In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know before requesting your medical records from Marshfield Clinic, one of the largest healthcare systems in Wisconsin.
Understanding Release of Information
Before you submit your request for medical records, it’s crucial to understand Marshfield Clinic’s release of information policy. Marshfield Clinic follows state and federal laws governing the release of medical records, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Under HIPAA, patients have the right to obtain a copy of their medical records, including diagnosis codes, lab results, imaging studies, and discharge summaries. However, certain restrictions may apply, such as when the release of medical records could harm the patient’s mental or physical health.
Marshfield Clinic also has its own policy for releasing medical records, which may vary depending on the type of records requested, the purpose of the request, and the identity of the requestor. For example, minors’ medical records may require a parent or guardian’s authorization, while deceased patients’ records may require proof of legal authority.
Submitting a Request
Once you understand Marshfield Clinic’s release of information policy, you can submit a request for your medical records. Marshfield Clinic offers several options for requesting medical records, including:
– Online request form: You can submit a request for medical records through Marshfield Clinic’s online request form. The form requires you to provide your name, date of birth, contact information, and details of the requested records.
– Mail or fax: You can download and print Marshfield Clinic’s medical records request form and mail or fax it to the Release of Information Department.
– In-person: You can visit Marshfield Clinic’s Release of Information Department and complete the request form in person.
In all cases, you must provide sufficient information to identify yourself and the records you are requesting. Marshfield Clinic may charge a fee for processing your request, which varies depending on the number of pages requested.
Receiving Your Medical Records
Once Marshfield Clinic approves your request for medical records, you will receive the records in the format you requested. You can choose to receive your records by mail, fax, email, or in person.
It’s crucial to review your medical records carefully to ensure that they are complete and accurate. If you find errors or omissions in your records, you can request corrections through Marshfield Clinic’s amendment process.
Conclusion
Requesting medical records from Marshfield Clinic can be a straightforward process if you understand the release of information policy and follow the correct procedures. By taking the time to prepare a well-documented request, you can obtain the essential medical information you need to make informed healthcare decisions.
