Short Answer

In a North Carolina personal injury claim, you generally want both (1) complete treatment records (notes, diagnoses, tests, and referrals) and (2) complete billing records (itemized charges, payments, and balances) from your chiropractor and every other provider who treated you for the injury. These documents help show what care you received, why you received it, and what it cost. Your attorney will usually request them after treatment ends (or at key milestones) using a signed medical authorization, and providers may charge copying fees under North Carolina law.

Understanding the Problem

If you are getting chiropractic care in North Carolina after an incident and you are improving with visits now reduced to weekly, a common question is: what records and bills do you need your chiropractor and other medical providers to send so your attorney can evaluate and present your personal injury claim?

Apply the Law

In a North Carolina injury claim, medical documentation usually serves three practical purposes: (1) it shows the connection between the incident and your symptoms, (2) it shows the reasonableness and necessity of the treatment, and (3) it proves the amount of medical charges tied to the injury. That is why attorneys typically request a complete set of records (clinical documentation) and bills (financial documentation) from each provider involved in your care.

Even when you feel better, the “paper trail” matters. A gap in records, missing imaging reports, or missing itemized billing can slow down settlement talks and can create proof problems if the case has to be filed in court.

Key Requirements

• Complete clinical records (not just a summary): Request the full chart, including intake forms, history, exam findings, diagnoses, treatment plans, progress notes for each visit, and discharge notes.
• Itemized billing (not just a balance): Ask for an itemized statement showing dates of service, procedure codes/charge descriptions, amounts charged, and any adjustments.
• Payment and balance information: Include ledgers showing what insurance paid (if any), what was written off, and what remains owed.
• Imaging and test documentation: If X-rays, MRIs, or other tests were ordered or performed, obtain the reports and, when helpful, the images or image access information.
• Referral and coordination records: If your chiropractor referred you to another provider (or received referrals), include referral notes and any shared treatment recommendations.
• Lien-related paperwork (if applicable): If a provider claims a lien against your recovery, your attorney will typically request the written lien notice and supporting itemization so the lien can be evaluated and addressed.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-411 (Record copy fee) - Allows providers to charge regulated, per-page fees (and certain minimums) for copying and providing medical records, and it permits a separate professional fee for a physician narrative summary if requested.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44-49 (Medical provider lien) - Creates a lien right for certain medical providers on injury recoveries and includes requirements tied to providing itemized statements/records and notice when a lien is claimed.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 44-50.1 (Accounting of disbursements) - Addresses lienholder requests for a certification/accounting when distributions are made and notes that nothing requires actions contrary to HIPAA.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because you are receiving ongoing chiropractic treatment and improving, your claim file should ultimately include your chiropractor’s complete visit notes and treatment plan showing how your symptoms changed over time, plus the itemized bills for each date of service. If you also saw other providers (for example, urgent care, imaging, primary care, physical therapy, or a specialist), your attorney will typically request the same two categories—records and bills—from each provider so the file tells one consistent story from first treatment through discharge.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Usually your attorney (or you, if you are self-represented). Where: Directly with each provider’s medical records department (often through a records portal or fax/mail). What: A signed HIPAA-compliant medical authorization plus a written request for (a) complete records and (b) itemized billing/ledger. When: Often after treatment ends, and sometimes again later if treatment continues or new providers are added.
2. Provider response and costs: Providers commonly take time to process requests, and they may charge copying fees permitted by North Carolina law. If the request is incomplete (wrong dates, missing signature, unclear scope), it can be delayed or returned.
3. Review and follow-up: Your attorney reviews the records for missing pages, missing billing, and consistency (dates, diagnoses, and treatment plan). If a provider asserts a lien, your attorney will typically request the lien notice and itemization and address it as part of settlement distribution planning.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• “Bills” that are not itemized: A simple balance statement often is not enough. Itemized billing and a ledger help avoid disputes about what services were billed and whether payments/adjustments were applied.
• Missing “final” documentation: If you stop care without a discharge note or final assessment, the file may not clearly show maximum improvement or what (if any) future care was recommended.
• Gaps in treatment: Long gaps can raise questions about whether the incident caused the ongoing symptoms. If a gap exists, make sure the records accurately reflect why (schedule, travel, flare-ups, referral delays, etc.).
• Incomplete provider list: Claims often stall when a later-discovered provider (imaging center, urgent care, pharmacy, or therapy clinic) has not been requested, billed, or accounted for.
• Lien surprises at settlement: A provider lien can affect how settlement funds are distributed. Identifying and documenting lien claims early helps avoid last-minute delays.

Conclusion

For a North Carolina personal injury claim, you typically need complete medical records (all notes, diagnoses, tests, and discharge documentation) and complete billing records (itemized charges plus payment/balance ledgers) from your chiropractor and every other provider who treated you for the injury. Providers may charge copying fees under North Carolina law. Next step: sign a HIPAA-compliant authorization so your attorney can request the full records and itemized bills from each provider as soon as treatment ends.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with an injury claim and you’re not sure which chiropractic records, medical notes, and itemized bills matter most, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand what to gather, how to request it, and how it fits into proving your claim. Reach out today. Call [CONTACT NUMBER].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.