How do you get Medical records for someone deceased?

Question

How do you get Medical records for someone deceased?

Answer 1

I believe you have to have power of attorney.  Then go to the medical records department of the hospital they were at, and submit a request.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

The deceased person's executor or administrator of their estate would need to sign a HIPAA authorization and request the documents from the hospital or doctor.  They will also be required whatever fees would be associated in getting the documents like the copying fees.

Answer 3

It depends on the country. In most of the western world, only the person's next of kin (ie surviving spouse), executor of their estate or the court can request medical records of the decedent. In the US, your request has to be accompanied by a copy of the death certificate and a "letter of office" for the executor to get them. The spouse would have to have a copy of the death certificate listing them as spouse.

If there's not a compelling reason, most of the time medical records are extremely hard to get on someone else. A compelling reason might be an investigation into the circumstances, comparison to the autopsy, or pending legal action where the records are needed to substantiate the case.

Answer 4

You may have to go see a lawyer to get records.  Dead or not, a person's medical records are protected under the privacy act.  It's going to take a court order to get them.

Answer 5

Dr. or hosp.