Should I Sign the Insurance Company's Medical Authorization After a Georgia Car Accident?

By JD Law Group | Georgia Car Accident Attorneys

Attorney Insight: We often find that injured people assume every form sent by an insurance company is routine. A medical authorization can be an important part of the claims process, but it's worth taking the time to understand exactly what you're authorizing. Reading the document carefully and understanding its scope before signing can help you make informed decisions and avoid releasing more information than necessary.

After a Georgia car accident, the insurance company may send you a stack of paperwork.

One document often surprises people more than any other:

A medical authorization.

The adjuster may say:

"We just need your medical records."

Or:

"This will help us process your claim faster."

It sounds routine.

So should you sign it?

The answer depends on the circumstances. Medical records are often an important part of evaluating a personal injury claim, but it's equally important to understand what information the authorization allows the insurance company to obtain before you sign it.

Here's what every Georgia accident victim should know.

What Is a Medical Authorization?

A medical authorization (sometimes called a HIPAA authorization or medical records release) is a document that gives someone permission to request certain medical records from healthcare providers.

Insurance companies may ask you to sign one so they can obtain records relating to your injuries and treatment.

However, not all medical authorizations are the same.

Some are narrowly tailored to the injuries involved in the accident.

Others may be much broader.

Why Does the Insurance Company Want My Medical Records?

Medical records help insurance companies evaluate issues such as:

• The injuries you sustained

• Medical treatment you received

• Diagnostic testing

• Whether treatment appears related to the accident

• Whether additional information is needed to evaluate the claim

Medical documentation is often one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury case.

Are All Medical Authorizations Limited to This Accident?

Not always.

Some authorization forms are written broadly enough to request:

• Many years of prior medical records

• Records from multiple healthcare providers

• Information unrelated to the injuries involved in the accident

Before signing any authorization, it's important to understand exactly what information it permits the insurance company to request.

Why Would the Insurance Company Want Older Medical Records?

Sometimes prior medical history is relevant.

For example, if an injured person had:

• A previous neck injury

• Prior back surgery

• Earlier shoulder problems

those records may become part of the discussion regarding the current claim.

However, not every prior medical issue is necessarily relevant to every accident.

The appropriate scope of medical records depends on the facts of the case.

Can I Refuse to Sign the Authorization?

The answer depends on which insurance company is requesting it and the nature of your claim.

If you're dealing with the other driver's insurance company, you may have more flexibility regarding whether to sign an authorization.

If you're making a claim under your own insurance policy, your policy may include cooperation requirements that affect what information you must provide.

Every situation is different, and the language of the insurance policy matters.

Is There Another Way to Provide Medical Records?

Yes.

In many cases, medical records can be obtained directly from your healthcare providers and provided as part of the claims process.

Some people prefer this approach because it allows them and their attorney to know exactly which records are being produced.

The appropriate method depends on the circumstances of the case.

Could a Broad Authorization Affect My Claim?

Potentially.

If an authorization allows access to a large volume of unrelated medical information, questions may arise regarding:

• Prior injuries

• Earlier complaints

• Pre-existing medical conditions

That doesn't necessarily mean your claim will be denied.

However, understanding what information is being released before signing the document is an important step.

Should I Sign It Immediately?

Many people feel pressured to sign paperwork as soon as it arrives.

Instead, take time to:

• Read the document carefully.

• Understand its scope.

• Ask questions if something is unclear.

• Consider obtaining legal advice before signing.

Once medical records have been released, it may be difficult to undo that decision.

What If I've Already Signed?

Don't panic.

Signing a medical authorization does not automatically harm your case.

Every claim depends on its own facts.

If you've already signed an authorization and have questions about what information may be released, discuss your concerns with your attorney.

Tips Before Signing Any Medical Authorization

Read Every Page

Don't assume the authorization is limited simply because someone says it is.

Review the actual language.

Understand What Records Are Covered

Ask:

• Which providers?

• What time period?

• What medical conditions?

• How long is the authorization valid?

Keep a Copy

Always retain a copy of anything you sign.

Ask Questions

If you're unsure why a document is being requested or what it allows, don't hesitate to ask for an explanation before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I sign the insurance company's medical authorization?

That depends on the circumstances, including which insurance company is requesting the authorization and what information the document permits them to obtain.

Why does the insurance company want my medical records?

Medical records help insurance companies evaluate the nature of your injuries, treatment, and the relationship between the accident and your medical condition.

Can the insurance company request old medical records?

Some authorization forms are broad enough to request older records. Before signing, review the document carefully to understand its scope.

Can I provide medical records without signing an authorization?

In some cases, medical records may be obtained directly from healthcare providers and provided during the claims process. The appropriate approach depends on the facts of your case.

Know What You're Signing

Medical records are often an essential part of a Georgia personal injury claim, but that doesn't mean every authorization should be signed without careful review.

Understanding what information is being requested, why it's being requested, and whether the authorization is appropriately limited can help you make informed decisions during the claims process.

If you've been injured in a Georgia car accident and the insurance company has asked you to sign a medical authorization, the attorneys at JD Law Group can explain your rights, review the document, and help you understand your options before you sign.

Contact JD Law Group today for a free consultation. There is no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Douglas Chanco is a Roswell, Georgia personal injury attorney at JD Law Group, LLC located at 912 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. Douglas Chanco focuses on car crashes, truck wrecks, uninsured motorist claims, and serious injury litigation.

"The biggest mistake Georgia drivers make is giving a recorded statement before understanding the full extent of their injuries." — Douglas Chanco