Patient and Visitors’ Center
Release of Information Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I request health information?
Answer: By filling out an Authorization for Release
of Medical Information form. The form can be dropped off
at the Health Information Services Department or can be mailed
to:
King’s Daughters Hospital
Health Information Services
1901 SW H.K. Dodgen Loop
Temple, TX 76502
The
authorization form is also available electronically by clicking here,
where it can be printed.
Question: Where is Health Information
Services Department (HIS)?
Answer: Located on the first floor of the hospital, enter the hospital,
go straight down the main hallway toward the guest elevators and
through the double doors, HIS is on the right just past the stairwell.
Question: What are the business hours?
Answer: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
Question: Is all health information released
through the Health Information Services Department?
Answer: In most cases HIS directly handles the release of health information. The
request will be forwarded to the appropriate department for items
such as imaging studies/radiology films and billing information.
Question: Whom do I call to inquire
about records?
Answer:
- Health Information Services: (254) 771-8600 ext. 731
- Billing Records: (254) 771-8622
- Imaging study/Radiology film: (254) 771-8655
- Pathology Slides: (254) 771-8662
Question: Is there a fee for releasing records?
Answer: No fee is assessed for records sent to
other health care facilities, the patient, law enforcement agencies,
or military recruiters. In most other cases a fee will be assessed.
The state of Texas sets a schedule for reasonable fees for records.
Question: How long does it take to
receive health information?
Answer: In most cases, we are able to complete requests within one
week. If a payment is required, an invoice will be mailed within one
week of receiving the original request. Records will be copied
only after fee approval.
Question: Will I need to present some
form of identification?
Answer: We require a picture ID for records being released to a patient
or a family member.
Question: Can I request someone else’s
records?
Answer: In most cases, if the patient is 18 or older, only the patient
can authorize the release of his or her own records. If the patient
is a minor, the parent or legal guardian may request records when a picture
ID has been provided. If the patient is over the age of 18, records
may only be requested by someone else if appropriate documentation is provided.
For example, a court order or medical power of attorney that names the patient’s
legal representative.
Question: Can I request records if
the patient is deceased?
Answer: A deceased patient’s records can be released if appropriate
documentation is provided. This will generally include documentation
naming the person with legal authority to release the records (for example,
a copy of the patient’s will, an affidavit of surviving spouse or
court order) and a copy of the death certificate.
Question: How do I request a
copy of a birth certificate or death certificate?
Answer: These government documents may be requested through a government
registrar. In Temple, the local registrar may be contacted at:
City of Temple
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 207
Temple, TX 76503-0207
(254) 298-5700