Does Social Security set a maximum fee for medical record charges?
The answer to this is “yes,” and “no.”
When Social Security requests medical records from a treatment provider (doctor, hospital, walk-in clinic, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.), and they put a cap on how much they are going to pay for those records.
Unfortunately, they do not put any cap on how much the medical records provider can charge you if you request the same records. I have previously written about how much treatment providers can charge for medical records in the state of Colorado. Other states have similar laws in place setting the maximum for medical record charges. However, Social Security gets the best deal when it comes to requesting medical records.
You can use this to your advantage.
Social Security disability tip: how to get your medical records for free!
If you request medical records from a doctor or hospital in Colorado, the maximum you can be charged is set by 6 C.C.R 1011-1, Chapter 2, Part 5.2.3.4. In 2008, the maximum price for medical records is “not to exceed $16.50 for the first ten or fewer pages, $.75 per page for pages 11-40, and $.50 per page for every additional page.”
This can quickly add up!
But, there is a way to get your medical records for free.
Cost of Medical Records Increases More Than 36 Percent!
The State of Colorado has allowed medical records copiers to increase the prices they charge to provide your medical records.
Medical records are one of the foundations of a Social Security case. The main way you establish the existence and severity of a medical condition is through medical records. ALL attorneys whose practice revolves around medical records are going to have to swallow this price increase. It also means that your costs as a client are going up.
Do not blame your attorney. The money is not going into your lawyer’s pocket; it is going to the medical copiers.
