Wisconsin personal injury attorneys face significant challenges retrieving medical records from the state's major health systems. With complex authorization requirements under Wisconsin Statute § 146.83, multi-facility hospital networks, and HIM departments overwhelmed with requests, delays of 45-90 days are common—putting case timelines and client relationships at risk.
Codes Health eliminates these frustrations with AI-powered medical record retrieval that delivers complete records in just 10-12 days. Our technology catches authorization errors before submission, automates daily follow-ups with every Wisconsin provider, and ensures no records are left behind—so your firm can build stronger demand packages faster.
The Impact on Case Timelines
Medical record delays can derail even the strongest Wisconsin personal injury cases.
- Extended wait times from major systems like UW Health and Froedtert can push case evaluations back by months
- Wisconsin's statute of limitations creates pressure to gather evidence quickly before filing deadlines
- Client frustration increases with every week of unexplained delays, damaging attorney-client relationships
Building Stronger Demand Packages
Complete medical documentation is the foundation of maximum settlement value.
- Comprehensive records from all treating providers establish the full extent of injuries and treatment
- Maximizing settlement value requires documentation of every diagnosis, procedure, and follow-up visit
- Evidence gaps weaken negotiations and give insurance adjusters reasons to reduce offers
Competitive Advantage for California Attorneys
Efficient record retrieval separates top-performing firms from the competition.
- Faster case evaluation allows attorneys to accept or decline cases with confidence
- Higher case volume becomes manageable when retrieval is automated and reliable
- Client satisfaction improves when cases move forward without unexplained delays
Typical Fee Structure
- Per-page copying: $1.44/page (pages 1–25); $1.07/page (pages 26–50); $0.70/page (pages 51–100); $0.41/page (pages 101+)
- Microfiche/microfilm copies: $2.11/page
- Retrieval fee: $28.43 single charge, when permitted
- Certification fee: $11.37
- X-ray prints: $14.18 per image
Factors Affecting Total Cost
- Number of treatment providers across Wisconsin health systems
- Volume of records per provider (hospitalizations generate more pages)
- Paper vs. electronic format: Wisconsin law does not permit per-page copy fees for records provided in an electronic format under Wis. Stat. § 146.83(3f), per a 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision. Providers may still charge allowable fees for paper/printed copies
- Third-party vendor fees used by facilities like MRO or Ciox/Datavant
Codes Health Pricing
Codes Health offers transparent, flat-fee pricing with no surprises.
- No hidden fees for follow-ups or status checks
- No extra charges for re-requests due to provider rejections
- All-inclusive retrieval including organization and AI-generated case chronologies
How to Retrieve Medical Records from UW Health University Hospital - Madison
Request Requirements
- Authorization form: Complete the UW Health Authorization for Disclosure of Protected Health Information form
- Submission methods: Fax to (608) 203-4580, mail to Datavant at 8501 Excelsior Dr., Madison, WI 53717, or use online request tool
- Special notes: Legal/insurance requests must go through Datavant (formerly Ciox); MyChart users can request via portal under "Other Resources"
What to Expect
- Processing time: 5-7 business days average; up to 30 days for complex requests
- Fees: Subject to Wisconsin statutory limits ($1.25/page); no charge for records sent to other providers for care
Codes Health Advantage
Codes Health maintains optimized workflows for UW Health's Datavant-processed requests, ensuring authorizations meet their specific requirements and avoiding the rejections that restart your timeline.
How to Retrieve Medical Records from Froedtert Hospital
Request Requirements
- Authorization form: Complete Form #60395 (Patient Request for Medical Records) or Protected Health Information Disclosure Authorization
- Submission methods: Fax to (414) 259-1244, mail to 9200 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53226, or email HealthInformation@froedtert.com
- Special notes: Specify exact Froedtert location; authorizations commonly include an expiration date (many firms use 1 year unless a shorter period is specified)
What to Expect
- Processing time: Froedtert states 7–10 business days for medical record requests
- Fees: Froedtert states there is no fee for records (portal access is also free)
Codes Health Advantage
Codes Health navigates Froedtert's multi-location network efficiently, ensuring requests are routed correctly across their Milwaukee flagship, Menomonee Falls, West Bend, and Community Hospital locations.
How to Retrieve Medical Records from Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital – Eau Claire
Request Requirements
- Authorization form: Mayo Clinic Authorization to Release Protected Health Information form
- Submission methods: Fax to (507) 284-0161, email MAYOHIMSROI@mayo.edu, or call (715) 838-3311 for Eau Claire-specific requests
- Special notes: Patient Portal access provides free electronic records; specify Mayo Clinic Health System Eau Claire location clearly
What to Expect
- Processing time: Typically within 2 weeks of receipt; up to 30 days under HIPAA
- Fees: No charge for patients accessing records via portal; reasonable cost-based fees for paper copies
Codes Health Advantage
Codes Health leverages established relationships with Mayo Clinic Health System locations throughout Wisconsin, streamlining requests that might otherwise get delayed in their centralized ROI process.
How to Retrieve Medical Records from UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital
Request Requirements
- Authorization form: Authorization/Request for Release of Health Information form
- Submission methods: Fax to (608) 417-6016, mail to 202 S. Park Street, Madison, WI 53715, or email MSN_HIMROI@unitypoint.org
- Special notes: MyUnityPoint portal offers free record access; POA requests require attached legal documentation
What to Expect
- Processing time: 7-10 business days for standard requests
- Fees: Third-party vendor (MRO) handles requests; charges apply for paper copies; portal access is free
Codes Health Advantage
Codes Health coordinates with Meriter's MRO-managed release process, ensuring authorizations include all required elements and avoiding the back-and-forth that delays retrieval.
How to Retrieve Medical Records from Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center
Request Requirements
- Authorization form: Patient Request for Health Information form or Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information
- Submission methods: Fax to (414) 385-8032, mail to Aurora Health Care, Attn: HIM, 8901 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, WI 53227, or email AuroraReleaseofInfo@aah.org
- Special notes: LiveWell portal (livewell.aah.org) offers fastest access; forms can be dropped off at any Aurora facility
What to Expect
- Processing time: 5 business days via LiveWell portal; longer for paper requests
- Fees: No fee for records sent to healthcare providers; cost-based fees for other requests
Codes Health Advantage
Codes Health optimizes requests for Aurora's centralized Health Information Management system, which serves St. Luke's and all Aurora facilities across Wisconsin, ensuring complete records from every treatment location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get medical records for a personal injury case in Wisconsin?
To obtain medical records for a Wisconsin personal injury case, follow these steps:
- Obtain a signed HIPAA-compliant authorization from your client that meets Wisconsin Statute § 146.82 requirements
- Submit written requests to each provider's Health Information Management department via fax, mail, or email
- Follow up regularly to prevent delays in processing
- Review received records for completeness and request any missing documentation
How long do hospitals in Wisconsin have to release medical records?
Under HIPAA, Wisconsin hospitals must respond to medical record requests within 30 days, with a possible 30-day extension if written notice is provided. However, the typical reality is 45-90 days from major health systems due to request backlogs and staffing limitations.
Can a lawyer request medical records on behalf of a client in Wisconsin?
Yes, attorneys can request medical records on behalf of clients in Wisconsin with proper authorization. The authorization must include:
- Patient's full name, date of birth, and signature
- Description of records requested with dates of service
- Name and address of the law firm as authorized recipient
- Purpose of disclosure (legal representation)
- Expiration date (valid up to 1 year)
What is the cost of medical record retrieval in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin sets maximum fees for medical record copies:
- Per-page copying: $1.44/page (pages 1–25); $1.07/page (pages 26–50); $0.70/page (pages 51–100); $0.41/page (pages 101+)
- Microfiche/microfilm copies: $2.11/page
- Retrieval fee: $28.43 single charge, when permitted
- Certification fee: $11.37
- X-ray prints: $14.18 per image
What if a hospital in Wisconsin refuses to release medical records?
If a Wisconsin hospital refuses to release medical records, take these steps:
- Verify authorization completeness – Ensure all required elements are included and the form isn't expired
- Contact HIM directly – Speak with a supervisor to understand the specific reason for denial
- File a complaint – Submit complaints to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or HHS Office for Civil Rights if rights are violated
- Subpoena in litigation – If the case is in active litigation, issue a subpoena duces tecum through the court
How does Codes Health speed up medical record retrieval in Wisconsin?
- AI-powered error checking catches authorization mistakes before submission to prevent rejections
- Daily automated follow-ups with every Wisconsin provider keep requests moving through HIM queues
- Optimized request formats tailored to each facility's specific requirements
- Real-time status tracking provides visibility into every pending request
- Complete record delivery in 10-12 days versus the typical 45-90 day industry timeline
What types of medical records can I retrieve for a Wisconsin personal injury case?
- Emergency room records and triage notes
- Hospital admission and discharge summaries
- Operative reports and surgical notes
- Physician office visit notes
- Diagnostic imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- Laboratory test results
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation records
- Prescription and medication histories
- Ambulance and EMS run reports
- Billing records and itemized statements
Do I need a HIPAA authorization to get medical records in Wisconsin?
Yes, a valid HIPAA authorization is required to obtain medical records for legal purposes in Wisconsin. The authorization must include:
- Patient's full legal name and date of birth
- Specific description of records requested
- Identity of authorized recipient (law firm)
- Expiration date for the authorization
- Patient's original signature with date
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