release of medical records

[mrsladyjw]

What is the name of your state? Colorado . I submitted a claim for bilateral severe carpal tunnel synrome on 3/14/03 and was assigned a claim number. Did not receive a WC2, admission of liability - but have been getting authorized for medical treatments and recently received authorization for surgery. I received a request from the insurance company for release information for the 5 years of every time I was treated at a physician-They stated it was to 'help determine their liability". do I have to comply? What if I don't know each time/place/date/physician's name?
PS_ I have not yet lost a day of work, but of course I will have lost wages when I enter surgery.

 

[Beth3]

When you file a WC claim, you waive all your customary rights to privacy of any medical information that may relate to that claim. So any medical treatment you have ever sought that may be relevant to determining whether the WC carrier is presently liable for your occupational illness is theirs for the asking. I expect the release you've been requested to sign is just a formality and makes it easier and quicker for the WC carrier to obtain that information from your past providers.

If you refuse to sign it, I would anticipate that your claim will be put "on hold" by the WC carrier until you do - which means your medical bills, lost time, etc. won't be paid.

If you don't recall all the info the WC carrier is requesting (and I sure wouldn't remember all that either), just do the best you can and indicate when you are estimating a date and so forth. (i.e. "Saw a doctor at ABC Clinic in the fall of 1999 for back pain.")

 

[mrsladyjw]

I understand from your answer that I must comply with the request. However, what does concern me is that they state they need this to 'determine' their liability. They have been sending me to doctors and providers now for over a month. Although I have not recieved the form that is required to be sent w/in 20 days of a claim, doesn't their referrals and payment indicate they have admitted liability?