--- title: Navigating the Legal Minefield of Collecting Medical Records description: If you regularly use medical records in court, you may be aware of the difficulty of gathering records. Learn our tips for gathering them efficiently. image: https://www.purview.net/hubfs/collecting-medical-records.jpg --- [Patient Log In](https://www.purview.net/sign_in) ![](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/search-icon.png?width=40&height=42&name=search-icon.png) [![Purview® Logo](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/image1.png?width=1600&height=212&name=image1.png "Purview® Logo")](https://www.purview.net) Open main menu Close main menu - SOLUTIONS Open the submenu - [Expert View](https://www.purview.net/expert-view) - [Purview Image](https://www.purview.net/image) - CLIENTS Open the submenu - [Hospitals](https://www.purview.net/hospitals) - [Physicians](https://www.purview.net/physicians) - [Radiologists](https://www.purview.net/radiologists) - [Veterinary Specialists](https://www.purview.net/veterinary-specialists) - [Legal Services](https://www.purview.net/legal-services) - LEARN Open the submenu - [Blog](https://www.purview.net/learn-blog) - [Webinars](https://www.purview.net/webinars) - [Case Studies](https://www.purview.net/case-studies) - [White Papers](https://www.purview.net/whitepapers) - [User Stories](https://www.purview.net/user-stories) - [FAQ](https://www.purview.net/faqs) - [News](https://www.purview.net/news) - [ABOUT](https://www.purview.net/about) - [Talk to Us](https://www.purview.net/contact-us) # [Blog](https://www.purview.net/-temporary-slug-b02e404d-d4fc-45ef-892c-6e2fb3eb27cb?hs_preview=wZjuNnwR-68372816499) - [Blog](https://www.purview.net/learn-blog) - [Webinars](https://www.purview.net/webinars) - [Case Studies](https://www.purview.net/case-studies) - [White Papers](https://www.purview.net/whitepapers) - [User Stories](https://www.purview.net/user-stories) - [FAQ](https://www.purview.net/faqs) - [News](https://www.purview.net/news) [Litigation](https://www.purview.net/blog/topic/litigation) # Navigating the Legal Minefield of Collecting Medical Records ![Les Trachtman, EE, JD, MBA](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Les%20Trachtman%20Circle%20BW.png?width=45&name=Les%20Trachtman%20Circle%20BW.png) **Written By:** Les Trachtman, EE, JD, MBA | **Published On:** September 2, 2021  Printer Friendly [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://www.purview.net/blog/how-do-i-get-my-clients-medical-records) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.purview.net/blog/how-do-i-get-my-clients-medical-records) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.purview.net/blog/how-do-i-get-my-clients-medical-records) ![](https://www.purview.net/hubfs/collecting-medical-records.jpg) As an attorney, obtaining medical records for your clients can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. However, by being prepared and understanding the issues involved, you can minimize delays and become more efficient in this task. Below are four key issues to keep in mind when requesting medical records for your clients. ### Legal Authority Medical records are confidential under HIPAA, and as an attorney, you will need to provide appropriate privileges to obtain copies of medical records. This can be in the form of a Medical Records Release signed by your client or a subpoena, court order, or similar document. Ensure that your release form is HIPAA compliant and includes specific time frames for the records you are seeking. Analog signatures are often required, so make sure you have the necessary paperwork in order. Payment Providers may charge you or your client for these records, but there may be limitations on what can be charged depending on the state. If the request comes from your client, it is usually much cheaper than if it comes from you or your firm. HIPAA, HITECH, and the CURES Act limit charges if the request is made by the patient. Ensure you are prepared for an argument about fees that may delay obtaining records. Electronic Transfers  Sending records electronically is faster, cheaper, and results in better-quality documents. Avoid using email, Dropbox, or similar systems, as most of these transfers are not HIPAA compliant. Licensing a system that facilitates electronic requests and returns of medical records can save time and money, even for radiology or digital pathology slides. 1. Time Delays  Requests from your client are subject to the [CURES Act](https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/selected-amendments-fdc-act/21st-century-cures-act), usually not more than thirty days. Delays may occur if the information is incorrect or incomplete, requiring additional requests. Avoid waiting until the last minute to request medical records. By being aware of these four issues, you can become more efficient and prepared when obtaining medical records for your clients. With the right knowledge and tools, this onerous process can become more bearable for attorneys.     Want to know more about Purview's solutions for litigation? [ Reach out to us with your questions or request a demo today.](https://www.purview.net/contact-us)    Related articles [![](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/aalnc%20stock%20blog.jpg?height=200&name=aalnc%20stock%20blog.jpg) Litigation Reflections from the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants 2026 Annual Conference in Orlando Les Trachtman, EE, JD, MBA Read Now](https://www.purview.net/blog/reflections-from-aalnc-2026-forum) [![](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/meeting-hospital-and-team-of-doctors-with-documen-2026-01-09-11-13-44-utc%20copy.jpg?height=200&name=meeting-hospital-and-team-of-doctors-with-documen-2026-01-09-11-13-44-utc%20copy.jpg) Litigation How Legal Nurse Consultants Transform Cases Les Trachtman, EE, JD, MBA Read Now](https://www.purview.net/blog/legal-nurse-consultants) [![](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Legal%20Stamp%20-%20SM.jpg?height=200&name=Legal%20Stamp%20-%20SM.jpg) Litigation How Medical Imaging Can Play a Role in Gaining Expert Certification for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Cases Ari Snaevarsson Read Now](https://www.purview.net/blog/how-medical-imaging-can-play-a-role-in-gaining-expert-certification-for-personal-injury-and-medical-malpractice-cases) ![image1](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/image1.png?width=300&height=40&name=image1.png) #### About Purview [About Us](https://www.purview.net/about) [News](https://www.purview.net/news) #### Solutions [Expert View™](https://www.purview.net/expertview) [Expert View™ Demo](https://www.purview.net/scale-with-second-opinions-demonstration) [Purview Image™](https://www.purview.net/image) [Purview Image™ Demo](https://www.purview.net/image#Five-Min-Demo) #### Resources [Blog](https://www.purview.net/blog) [Events](https://www.purview.net/webinars) [Customer Stories](https://www.purview.net/user-stories) #### Support [Contact Support](https://www.purview.net/contact-us) [Contact Us](https://www.purview.net/contact-us) [Sales](https://www.purview.net/contact-us) [![facebook-purview](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook-purview.png?width=30&height=30&name=facebook-purview.png)](https://www.facebook.com/PurviewImages) [![linkedin-purview](https://www.purview.net/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin-purview.png?width=26&height=25&name=linkedin-purview.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/purview) © 2026 PURVIEW All Rights Reserved [Privacy Policies](https://www.purview.net/privacypolicy) [Terms of Service](https://www.purview.net/hubfs/Purview%20Terms%20of%20Service.pdf) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=1516546&fmt=gif)   ### Title Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. 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