How to Get Your Medical Records & Medical Bills in Colorado
After an accident, medical paperwork tends to pile up quickly. Between doctor visits, imaging, physical therapy, and letters from the insurance company, it can be hard to know where to start, even when you are trying to track down your own medical records and billing.
Colorado law gives patients the right to access their medical information, but the process is rarely as simple as it should be. This guide explains how to request medical records and medical bills in Colorado, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems.
Your Legal Right to Medical Records in Colorado
Under federal HIPAA regulations and Colorado law, patients have the right to obtain copies of their medical records. This includes records from:
● Hospitals and emergency rooms
● Primary care physicians and specialists
● Chiropractors and physical therapists
● Imaging centers (MRI, CT, X-ray)
● Surgical providers
You do not need an attorney to request your own records. However, incomplete requests and administrative delays are common, particularly after an accident.
How to Request Medical Records in Colorado
Step 1: Identify the Records Custodian
Many providers do not store records in-house. Instead, they use third-party record custodians or online portals.
Before submitting a request, it helps to confirm:
● Who handles medical records requests
● Whether there is an online request system
● Whether records are stored by a third party
Sending requests to the wrong entity is one of the most common reasons records are delayed.
Step 2: Submit a Written HIPAA Authorization
Most providers require a signed authorization. Whether you use the provider’s form or your own, the request should clearly include
● Patient’s full legal name
● Date of birth
● Dates of treatment requested
● Specific records requested
● Preferred delivery method
● Signature and date
Requests that simply ask for “all records” are more likely to result in partial or delayed production.
How to Request Medical Bills and Itemized Charges
Medical Records vs. Medical Billing Records
Medical records and medical bills are not the same thing, and they are often handled by different departments or even completely different companies.
● Medical records include treatment notes and reports from your healthcare
providers.
● Billing records include itemized charges, CPT codes, and payment history.
If you need itemized medical bills, you must specifically request billing records. They are not automatically included with medical records.
Medical Record Fees in Colorado
Colorado law limits what providers may charge for copying medical records when requested by third parties. Patients requesting their own records may still be charged, but fees must be reasonable.
Common issues we see include:
● Charges exceeding statutory limits
● Flat “processing fees” without explanation
● Demands for payment before confirming what records exist
If fees appear excessive or unclear, it is appropriate to ask for clarification in writing.
Tips for Getting Medical Records Faster
A few practical steps can help avoid unnecessary delays:
● Be specific about date ranges and record types
● Confirm the request was received
● Follow up politely in writing
● Ask whether imaging must be requested separately
● Keep copies of all correspondence
Many providers can produce records quickly, but only if the request is routed correctly.
Why Medical Records Matter in Colorado Injury Claims
If you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other incident caused by someone else, your medical records and billing documentation are critical evidence.
Insurance companies frequently rely on missing records, incomplete billing, or apparent treatment gaps to minimize or deny valid claims. This is why proper documentation early in an auto accident or personal injury case can significantly affect the outcome.
You can learn more about how we handle these cases on our Auto Accidents page, or how costs are addressed on our Fees & Costs page.
Final Thoughts on Ordering Medical Records in Colorado
Ordering your own medical records in Colorado is your legal right, but the process is often more complicated than expected. Knowing how to submit a clear request and how to follow up when providers delay can save time, frustration, and potential problems with insurance claims.
If you have questions about medical records, billing issues, or injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, you are welcome to contact us for a free consultation.
About the Author: Dan Yarbro is a Denver-based Colorado personal injury attorney and named partner at the Law Offices of Ward & Yarbro. His practice focuses exclusively on representing individuals and families harmed by negligence in motor vehicle collisions, wrongful death cases, and complex uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) disputes across Colorado. Dan’s work routinely involves detailed analysis of medical records, billing documentation, and insurance coverage issues. He regularly guides clients through the process of obtaining medical records and itemized medical bills in Colorado, resolving billing discrepancies, and ensuring documentation is properly assembled before it is presented to an insurance carrier. His experience includes navigating HIPAA compliance issues, statutory medical record fee limitations, and common administrative delays that can affect injury claims. Within the firm, Dan emphasizes thorough case development, precise documentation, and strategic negotiation. Rather than operating as a volume-based practice, Ward & Yarbro maintains a high attorney-to-client ratio to ensure each case receives individualized attention and careful preparation. Through the firm’s educational resources and blog, Dan provides clear, legally grounded guidance to individuals seeking reliable information about Colorado injury law, insurance claims, and post-accident procedures.