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Highway 12
Hettinger,
ND 58639-7530
(701) 567-4561
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How
Do I Transfer or Request Copies of My Medical Records?
To
release medical records we would like to have a completed authorization
form. You must be 18 years of age or the parent
or legal guardian of a minor. Follow these instructions
to ensure smooth processing of your request:
- Download
and print Release
of Information Authorization (pdf).
- Fill out the form as completely as you can.
- Be
sure to include both the name and address that you would
like your records released to.
- Be
as specific as you can about the information that you'd
like released (e.g. specific dates of service, specific
treatment, just immunizations, etc.)
- Please
mail authorization to West River Health Services. See below
for details. In some cases there will
be a charge for copies of your medical records.
Where
Should I Send My Release of Information Authorization?
If
you are requesting Release of Information from any West River
Health Service location, please mail to:
Release
of Information
West
River Health Services
1000
Highway 12
Hettinger,
ND 58639
Frequently Asked Questions
Read below
for answers to the most frequently asked release of information
questions.
If you have additional questions,
call West River Health Services Release of Information at (701)
567-6268
or you may contact the Health Information Manager, Staci
Miller, RHIT, CCS at (701) 567-6262, or
email stacim@wrhs.com.
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Can
a patient review and/or receive copies of their own medical record?
Under normal circumstances patients shall have a reasonable
right to access their own medical records. All viewing of medical records
takes place by appointment. A completed request form is required. To
download form click here. (All
requests by the patient for copies of medical records shall be
received in writing and the patient needs to be responsible for any
duplication costs.)
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How long are medical records kept?
Medical
records for adult patients
will be preserved until at least the tenth anniversary of
the date on which the
patient was last treated at any West River Health Service facility.
Medical records of a minor patient (less than 18 years of age when last treated) will be
preserved to his/her twenty-first birthday or on or after the tenth anniversary last
treated, whichever is later.
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Who is authorized to sign for release of medical
records?
The
authorization must be signed by the patient, a parent
of the patient (if the patient is a minor), or the patient's
legally empowered representative.
-
Who
is authorized to sign for release of medical records
if the patient is deceased?
If
a patient is deceased, the authorization must be signed
by the
appointed personal representative, if any. Otherwise, the
surviving spouse, if any; an adult child, if
any; a parent, or responsible next of kin may authorize
release of records.
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Is there a charge to request copies of medical records?
Depending
upon the number of pages being requested, there may be a
$10 minimum charge, as well as .25 per copy. There
is no charge if your records are being sent directly to
another healthcare provider.
-
Is
there a charge to request copies of X-ray films?
Yes.
There is a charge of $5.00 per sheet for copies
of X-ray films, unless sent directly to another healthcare
provider.
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When
you send records to another facility do you send copies
or the original? Will
there still be information at West River Health Services
if I return as a patient?
The medical
record itself is a legal document and the property of
West River Health Services. Therefore, the original medical
record stays at West River Health Services and copies are
sent to the other facility.
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Can my doctor, who is outside of West River Health
Services, just request my records?
Yes, if you are
still under treatment from that doctor.
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Who can pick up medical records?
If
someone other than the patient will be picking up copies
of medical records, please let us know in advance. The person
picking up the medical records must bring written authorization
from the patient. ID is required for all pickups.
Forms
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