Short Answer

Yes. In North Carolina, you (or your lawyer) can request your EMS/ambulance medical records and an itemized bill if you are the patient or have written authorization from the patient or the patient’s personal representative. If a lawsuit is filed, records can also be obtained by subpoena. Providers may charge reasonable copy fees under state law, and response times are generally about 30 days under federal privacy rules.

Understanding the Problem

You want to verify what the ambulance provider did and what they charged after an injury. In North Carolina personal injury cases, the core question is: can you get the EMS “run sheet” and a detailed bill to confirm the services and costs? You can—if you are the patient or have the right authorization—and there are straightforward ways to request those records or compel them once a case is filed.

Apply the Law

North Carolina allows patients, their lawful personal representatives, and authorized agents to access medical records, including EMS “prehospital care reports” and itemized bills. If the patient does not authorize release and a lawsuit is pending, a subpoena duces tecum can compel records. Communications with EMS are confidential, but the patient can consent to disclosure; courts can also order production when justice requires. Providers may charge reasonable, cost-based copy fees under state law. Requests go to the ambulance provider’s records or billing department; subpoenas issue in the pending case through the attorney of record or the Clerk of Superior Court.

Key Requirements

• Right person requests: The patient, a lawful personal representative (e.g., court-appointed estate representative), or an attorney/agent with a signed HIPAA-compliant authorization.
• Proper scope: Ask for the EMS prehospital care report (run sheet), dispatch times if maintained with the chart, and an itemized bill for the date of service.
• Valid authorization or subpoena: Use a written authorization that meets HIPAA content requirements, or, in a filed case, serve a Rule 45 subpoena.
• Confidentiality respected: EMS communications are confidential; patient consent or a court order allows disclosure.
• Reasonable fees: Providers may charge reasonable copy fees; expect cost-based charges for paper or electronic copies.
• Timing: Providers generally have up to about 30 days to respond to an access request; subpoena compliance follows the return date set in the subpoena.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 90-411 (Charges for medical records) — Providers may charge reasonable fees for copies of medical records.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 8-53.13 (EMS communications privilege) — EMS communications are confidential but may be disclosed with consent or by court order.
• North Carolina Rule of Civil Procedure 45 (Subpoenas) — Allows subpoenas for records in a pending civil case.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 90-410 (Definitions) — Defines who is a health care provider for medical record purposes.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: With no extra facts provided, the standard path applies: if you are the patient, send a written request and HIPAA authorization to the EMS provider’s records/billing office asking for the run sheet and itemized bill. If the patient will not or cannot authorize and a lawsuit is filed, use a Rule 45 subpoena to the ambulance provider to obtain the same records. Expect reasonable copy fees.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: The patient, personal representative, or attorney. Where: The ambulance provider’s records or billing department in North Carolina; if in litigation, through the county where the case is filed. What: Written records request with a HIPAA-compliant authorization (or, in a filed case, a subpoena such as AOC-G-100). When: Providers generally respond within about 30 days to an access request; a subpoena will specify a compliance date.
2. After the request, the provider processes it, confirms identity/authority, and issues copies of the prehospital care report and itemized bill. Timeframes vary by provider and county EMS administration.
3. Final step: You receive the EMS chart and itemized billing; verify line items and amounts against your claim and any insurer explanation of benefits.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If you are not the patient or lawful personal representative, the provider can refuse without a valid authorization or court order.
• For deceased patients, providers typically require Letters Testamentary/Administration; a spouse or relative alone may not suffice.
• Make your authorization specific (who may disclose, to whom, what dates, purpose) to avoid delays.
• If proceeding by subpoena, follow Rule 45 service and notice requirements to avoid objections or quash motions.
• Confirm you requested an itemized bill, not just a balance; otherwise you may get totals without line-item detail.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re dealing with ambulance bills and need records to verify charges for your injury claim, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at 919-313-2737.

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.