How long does it take to get medical records?

Most requests are completed in 7-21 business days. Complex requests or large hospitals may take up to 30 days. By law under HIPAA, providers must respond within 30 days.

MedicalRecords.com handles the process for you: we contact the provider, submit the formal request, pay fees upfront, and follow up regularly. You can track your request status online.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about medical records requests, HIPAA rights, and our services.

General Questions

What is MedicalRecords.com?

MedicalRecords.com retrieves your medical records from healthcare providers on your behalf. We handle the paperwork, follow up with the facility, and deliver your records to you.

Do I have a right to my medical records?

Yes! Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), you have the legal right to access your medical records. Providers must respond to your request within 30 days.

Why should I use MedicalRecords.com instead of requesting records myself?

We save you time. We know the process, handle all paperwork, follow up with providers, and pay fees upfront. Most people find requesting records confusing or slow — we take care of it so you don't have to.

Is this service legitimate?

MedicalRecords.com provides medical-records request coordination, provider follow-up, and secure delivery support. The workflow requires patient authorization and uses access controls and encrypted transport. Provider availability, release timing, and fees vary; the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service contain the governing details.

The Process

How long does it take to get my records?

Most requests are completed in 7-21 business days. Complex requests or large hospitals may take up to 30 days. By law, providers must respond within 30 days.

What happens after I submit my request?

After payment and authorization are confirmed, we prepare the request, contact the healthcare provider, and record material status changes. We follow up according to the selected service tier. Providers control whether and when records are released and may assess separate fees.

Can I track the status of my request?

Yes! You'll receive email updates at key milestones, and you can log into your account to see the current status anytime.

What if the provider is taking too long?

We follow up regularly. If a provider exceeds the 30-day legal limit, we can help you file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory agency.

Can I get records from multiple providers?

Yes! You can submit multiple requests. Each provider requires a separate request, but we can process them all simultaneously.

Pricing & Fees

How much does this service cost?

Our Standard service is $50, Expedited is $99, and Concierge is $149. Provider fees vary by state and provider (typically $0-$50) and are passed through at cost. Email delivery is free; physical mail has additional shipping costs.

Why do providers charge fees?

Under HIPAA, providers can charge reasonable fees to cover the cost of copying and mailing records. Fees vary by state law but typically range from $0 (some states) to $50.

What if the provider charges too much?

We know state laws and will challenge fees that exceed legal limits. If a provider charges excessively, we'll work to reduce the fee or help you file a complaint.

Are there any hidden fees?

MedicalRecords.com itemizes its service charges before payment. A provider may later assess separate copying, media, certification, postage, or delivery fees that are not controlled by MedicalRecords.com.

Do you offer refunds?

Our service fee is non-refundable once we submit your request to the provider. However, if we're unable to retrieve your records, we'll refund our service fee.

Medical Records

What types of records can I request?

You can request any medical records from any healthcare provider, including: doctor visits, hospital stays, test results, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), prescriptions, immunization records, mental health records, and more.

Can I get records from many years ago?

Providers must keep records for a certain number of years (varies by state, typically 5-10 years). Older records may no longer be available.

What format will I receive my records in?

Records are typically delivered as PDF files via secure email or online portal. You can also request physical copies (CD, USB, or paper) for an additional fee.

Will my records include test results and imaging?

Yes, your records will include all available documentation, test results, and reports. Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, etc.) may be provided on CD or via a separate imaging portal.

Can I request only specific records?

Yes! You can specify date ranges, specific visits, or types of records. However, providers often find it easier to send complete records rather than searching for specific items.

Privacy & Security

Is my information secure?

The application uses encrypted HTTPS transport, authorization checks, access controls, private storage for sensitive uploads, and user-scoped data access. No internet service can promise zero risk; review the Security page and Privacy Policy for the implemented safeguards and governing terms.

Who can see my medical records?

Access is limited by user and role checks. Authorized personnel and service providers may handle information when needed to fulfill, secure, or support the service, as described in the Privacy Policy. A separate, explicit authorization is required for optional disclosures such as legal-intake sharing.

How do you protect my information?

Implemented controls include encrypted HTTPS transport, authentication and role checks, row-level or user-scoped data access, CSRF protection, input validation, rate limiting on sensitive endpoints, private object storage, and signature verification for supported webhooks.

What happens to my records after delivery?

Fulfilled records may remain available through your authenticated account subject to the service's retention schedule, operational needs, legal obligations, and the Privacy Policy. HIPAA does not establish a universal retention period for every copy of a medical record.

Can I delete my records?

You may submit a deletion request to privacy@medicalrecords.com. Requests are verified and evaluated under applicable law, contractual duties, security needs, backup cycles, and required retention obligations; deletion is not guaranteed for every record or on a fixed timeline.

Technical Support

I can't log in to my account. What should I do?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset your password. If you still have trouble, contact support at support@medicalrecords.com or call 1-888-633-7327.

I didn't receive my records email. Where are they?

Check your spam/junk folder. Emails come from noreply@medicalrecords.com. You can also log into your account to download records directly. If still not found, contact support.

I can't open the PDF file. Help!

PDF files may be password-protected. The password is usually your date of birth (MMDDYYYY format). Make sure you have a PDF reader installed (Adobe Reader is free). Contact support if issues persist.

Do you have a mobile app?

Not yet, but our website is fully mobile-responsive. You can access your account and download records from any smartphone or tablet.

How do I update my contact information?

Log into your account and go to Settings > Profile to update your email, phone, or address.

Special Situations

Can I request records for a minor child?

Yes, if you're the parent or legal guardian. You'll need to provide proof of guardianship. State laws vary on when minors gain rights to their own records (typically age 12-18).

Can I request records for a deceased family member?

Yes, if you're the executor of the estate or have legal authority. You'll need to provide documentation such as a death certificate and proof of your authority.

Can someone else request my records?

Only with your written authorization. You can designate someone as your personal representative to request records on your behalf.

I need records for a lawsuit. Can you help?

Yes. Legal/litigation requests are common. Make sure to specify that records are needed for legal purposes, as this may expedite the process.

The provider says they don't have my records. Now what?

If a provider doesn't have your records, they should provide written confirmation. We can help you determine if records were transferred to another provider or facility.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Contact us and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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