u/NonbinaryOdysseus

I work in the records side of things and this has been hanging on my mind for a while. I figure I'd explain way too in depth how to fill out UAB's medical records request form. It's got a lot of ridiculous nuance that not everyone is gonna pick up on. This might help you out, or this might help you help your old folks' to get their records. If you can, pull up the PDF from UAB's website as I'll go straight down the page.

First of all, when you fill this form out it only applies to UAB hospitals/clinics in Birmingham. That's the hospital itself and Highlands. If you need something from UAB West or St. Vincent's use their version of the medical records request form. If you send the form to the wrong place you're delaying yourself.

Fill out all the patient information including cities and zip codes. No abbreviations. We're using AI to input info now and it's annoying to correct its mistakes (wish we didn't use AI but not my decision). Make sure to check the check box for yourself or "the party indicated below." Not doing that can make it unclear where to send your records. Make sure to check yes or no on including psych/substance use records. If you check nothing you will not receive psych records even if that's all you have. Psych records need special approval to be released to the patient so yknow special precautions.

The 5 freaking packages. This is where the nuance kicks in. Package 1 is the bare minimum of information. Package 2 is all that plus medications being listed in your request. Package 3 is essentially an abstract of your records- clinical information, meds, and diagnostic info (tests, lab tests, radiology reports). If you want comprehensive info but not too many pages I recommend a package 3.

Package 4 is just diagnostic info. This is NOT the next step up. It has no clinic notes, it's just reports and whatnot. Honestly it should be package 3 but I didn't make the form. Package 5 is the most information possible- it has nursing documentation and internal portal messages among other things package 3 might skim over. If you really want a lot of paper to flip through, or see something missing in whatever you previously requested, you can go with this one.

The selections under the packages are for when you want really specific records and are self explanatory. Emergency Department Documentation = ER records. Outpatient Clinic Notes = just clinic notes, essentially a package 1. Fetal Monitoring Strips apply only to mothers and not the children being born- also you can only get these if you gave birth at UAB. If you check off billing or radiology images the request will be copied and sent off to those separate departments.

2nd Page- It's important you check off how you want to receive records. If you check nothing and your address is legible it'll be mailed. Onsite pick up is done I believe still at Highlands on the first floor. Include a fax number only if your records are being released to a doctor, attorney, or insurance. We can't fax a patient their records so choose something else. A CD means a literal disk will be mailed to you- make sure you have a disc reader. Also really this is for radiology images not sure why it's here as a delivery option. And if you choose email, make sure to write out the email super clear. I think you'll be emailed a link to digitally open up and read your records as a PDF.

Signatures- make sure to sign with a pen or use MS Paint to show you tried. We can't verify digital signatures, and if the request shows up with no signature it can't be accepted. You don't need a representative/witness to sign with you that's for ppl who are deceased, have a guardian, or otherwise have a POA.

Also if you are requesting records for a deceased person, or you have a POA and are requesting that person's records, include a copy of the death certificate or copy of the POA. We can't take your word for it we need that extra paperwork. Also read the POA to make sure it includes you can make healthcare decisions, you'd be surprised that a normal POA can't do squat. If you need ideas on other paperwork to include you can always call and double check.

And finally delivering the completed form. You can do mail, fax or turn it over in-person. Dunno if they've figured out online submissions yet, but they might. In any case, double check your work because there's nothing more annoying than getting a delay on a request.

Back at it again. I feel my depression slump slowly going away but I still have small spirals. So I'm writing another food related post.

You have to eat fruits and vegetables. Esp if you can't go to biannual teeth cleanings. I only manage them now cause I built it as a habit but even then I'm not perfect at keeping my teeth clean. But I do know that when I'm not eating fruits and veggies it affects my gums. So the best way to do it is to do it small.

I buy Go-Go Squeezes. Don't give a fuck if ppl make fun of me for buying "kid's food" or "baby food." This brand makes blends that include veggies and you can't taste them for all the fruit. They also come in yogurt flavors and with electrolytes. The variety in the brand means if you get turned off one flavor you can go to another and more than likely you can hand off any you haven't eaten. Also the twist tops mean you can save the uneaten portion.

like I said it helps keep your diet balanced even if it's a small portion/one a day. also these pouches are great if you're uninterested in eating and just know you have to eat something to avoid hunger pains (or if you're nauseated from not eating you can slurp a little at a time).

and if the Go-Go Squeeze brand isn't interesting there's lots of copycats. just remember to eat something today