When an insurance adjuster asks you to sign a medical authorization, it might sound like a harmless part of your claim. But in reality, signing that form allows the insurance company to dig through your entire medical history, and not just records related to your crash.
Before signing anything, let’s discuss what exactly this form does, why insurers ask for it, and how to protect your right to privacy and fair compensation.
What Is a Medical Authorization or Medical Release?
A medical authorization, also called a medical release, is a legal document that allows another party, such as an insurance company, to directly obtain your medical records from your healthcare providers.
By signing it, you give them permission to request, review, and copy your records. Once you do that, you lose control over what they can access and how they might use it.
Insurance companies often claim they need this information to verify your injuries. In truth, they may use it to look for pre-existing conditions that could reduce your claim’s value, find gaps in treatment to argue you weren’t seriously hurt, or uncover unrelated conditions they can use to deny coverage.
In short, signing a medical authorization means giving the insurance company control over your private health information. And since insurers tend to overreach, the safest approach is to share only what’s necessary to support your claim. Let’s look at what you should, and shouldn’t, provide.
What Types of Records Should You Share with the Insurance Adjuster?
To understand why you shouldn’t release every medical record, it helps to first know what you should share. You should only share records directly related to your car accident, including:
- Medical documentation from your initial visit after the crash.
- Records of your diagnosis, symptoms, and pain level.
- Descriptions of the treatments you received after the accident.
- Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans) proving your injuries.
- Discharge papers summarizing your diagnosis and treatments.
- Hospital bills, treatment invoices, and receipts for medical expenses.
- Proof of follow-up care, including physical therapy or specialist visits.
- Receipts for related costs like prescriptions, parking, or transportation.
If you used insurance to pay for care, also keep:
- Copies of co-pay or deductible statements.
- Billing summaries from your health insurance carrier.
These documents prove your injuries are real, show your recovery progress, and link your medical expenses directly to your accident. Equally important is recognizing which records could hurt your case if released too broadly.
What Types of Records Should You Avoid Sharing with Insurers?
Any record not directly tied to your car accident injuries is likely irrelevant and potentially harmful to your claim. Avoid sharing:
- Records about unrelated health issues (heart disease, depression, pregnancy, etc.)
- Past injuries or chronic conditions unrelated to the crash.
- Mental health records or confidential notes not connected to your accident.
- Blanket authorizations that allow the insurer to pull everything.
Insurers look for pre-existing conditions or risk factors, even ordinary ones like being overweight or a smoker, to reduce their liability. Once they find something, they can argue that part of your treatment isn’t covered or lower your payout.
You have the right to maintain your medical privacy and refuse unreasonable requests.
Your Rights Under HIPAA
You are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law gives you the power to decide how your medical information is shared. You can:
- Limit who can access your records.
- Restrict which providers or date ranges are included.
- Revoke authorization at any time.
- Request copies of what was shared and when.
If an insurer insists on a signed release, ask them to specify:
- Which providers they need records from.
- What date range is relevant to your claim.
- Why the information is necessary.
How Florida’s PIP Law Affects Record Requests
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires every driver to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical care after an accident, regardless of fault. To qualify for PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the crash.
Insurers often request documentation to verify that your care meets these requirements. You’re entitled to limit those records to accident-related treatments only, and they do not need full access to your medical history.
If the request comes from the at-fault driver’s insurer, be especially cautious. Their goal is to reduce their payout, not to verify your treatment. Your attorney can help you determine what is relevant and ensure that any documents shared stay within appropriate limits.
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
Beyond document requests, insurers may also ask you to attend an Independent Medical Examination (IME) to “verify” your injuries. These exams are anything but independent when IME doctors are hired and paid by the insurance company.
Before agreeing to attend, consult your attorney. Your lawyer can help limit the scope of the exam, ensure the doctor’s questions stay relevant to your injuries, and request a copy of the report afterward. Never attend an IME without understanding your rights or without legal guidance, because what you say and how you respond during the exam can directly impact your case.
General Tips on Sharing Medical Information with Insurance Companies
Whether it’s a document request or an IME, follow the next tips when sharing medical data with the insurer:
- Share the bare minimum. Only provide accident-related records.
- Keep the originals. Send duplicates and keep your copies organized.
- Don’t let providers send records directly to insurers. Review everything first.
- Request clarification whenever a request seems too broad or irrelevant.
- Ask why they need specific documents.
- Include record fees in your damages claim so you’re reimbursed for copies.
It’s better to delay your settlement slightly than to share something that could damage your case.
What If You Already Signed a Broad Release?
Even if you’ve already signed a medical authorization, it’s not too late to protect yourself. You can send a written revocation to both the insurer and your healthcare providers, request an accounting of disclosures to see who accessed your records, and contact an attorney to help contain any potential harm.
HIPAA gives you the right to revoke an authorization at any time, even if you’ve already signed it.
Don’t Make a Recorded Statement
Just as insurers may ask for medical records, they may also request a recorded statement. Politely refuse. Anything you say can be taken out of context and used to weaken your claim. You also have the right to deny the insurer direct contact with your doctor. Instead, you or your attorney can provide the necessary information on your terms.
Between medical releases, IMEs, and recorded statements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Insurance adjusters often sound friendly, but their job is to save money for their company. Before signing any release or authorization, speak with a Florida car accident lawyer who understands how to handle insurers and safeguard your privacy.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we’ve helped thousands of injured Floridians in West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers, Port St. Lucie, and across the state recover fair settlements while keeping their personal health information private. we care about your health and long-term well-being. Our team works closely with you and your medical providers to ensure that every aspect of your injury, treatment, and ongoing care is properly documented and reflected in your medical records. That attention to detail helps protect your claim’s full value and supports your physical recovery.