Q: How long does the doctor have to release your records to you after written authorization has been given
A: The answer can vary depending on what you mean by "doctor". The rule can differentiate between a doctor in private practice, a hospital, a medical clinic or other provider that are often lumped together as "doctor". The general rule is that they have a reasonable time. Reasonable can depend on the circumstances. During the pandemic "reasonable" meant a longer time than it did before the pandemic. A particular doctor's office could have staff out with COVID and thus have a little longer time than one that has a full staff. My personal rule of thumb is about 30 days. Most providers have contracted with an outside company to handle copying medical records and most of the time you will have to pay the costs of that copying. So although I have having to say that the time can vary, it is the best answer possible.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
