How to Submit Medical Records to Leafwell
Article written by
Tina MagrabiSenior Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Ruth LemonVP of Operations
Submitting your medical records to Leafwell is an easy, seamless process if you follow a few basic steps. But remember, in many states, it isn’t a requirement. So if you don’t have medical records, that won’t necessarily stop you from getting your medical card — just ask our team when you register if they are required.
Learn everything you need to do to successfully upload your medical records to Leafwell for processing your medical card application.
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Why Leafwell Needs Medical Records
In some states, the providers at Leafwell need your medical records to determine if you have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition in your state.
Medical records are required in the following states:
You must have a qualifying health condition to obtain a medical card in states with medical marijuana programs.
The states listed above require paperwork to prove this diagnosis, which is why we ask for medical records in those states. In states where medical records are not required, you still can upload them if you wish to give your provider more information.
However, if you don’t have any paperwork, that’s not a problem — you can still speak with a provider about your health condition, and they will determine if it is a qualifying one under the state’s law.
Qualifying health conditions vary among states, but here are some of the most common ones:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Anxiety
- Severe Arthritis
- Autism
- Cancer and Chemotherapy
- Chronic Pain and Opioid Replacement
- Crohn’s Disease, Lupus, Type-I Diabetes, and other Autoimmune Disorders
- Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Pain)
- Epilepsy or any other Seizure Disorder
- Fibromyalgia
- Glaucoma
- Severe Headaches or Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Spinal Cord Injuries or Diseases
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Stroke
- Terminal illnesses where the patient has been given a year or less left to live
A diagnosis with one or more of the above conditions will most likely qualify you for a medical marijuana card in your home state. But you will still need to meet all other requirements for approval.
What Can You Submit as Medical Records?
Your medical records may be submitted in various forms.
Acceptable medical documents showing a patient’s diagnosis can include patient history, hospital records, doctor’s notes, medical test results, lab reports, progress notes, or radiographic studies. Please note that photos of pill bottles are no longer accepted as valid medical records.
Instead, show your qualifying physician the official prescription drug list (e.g., a letter indicating your prescription Rx list or dosette box with an attached list of medications) you have been given.
According to the Health insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) of 1996, you have the right to obtain copies of your medical records. Simply request your medical records from your primary healthcare provider, and you may receive printed copies to scan or digital copies ready to upload.
Depending on your situation, other people may also be able to legally request your medical records for you. These individuals include:
- The parent or guardian of the patient if the patient is a minor.
- A caregiver or advocate who has obtained written permission from the patient.
- Your primary care physician.
- Third-party entities to whom you may have granted access to your medical records. This can include insurance companies, hospitals, labs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and billing providers.
Once you have obtained your medical records, you can upload them to the Leafwell platform.
How to Upload Your Medical Records to the Leafwell Platform
Uploading your medical records to the Leafwell platform involves a few simple steps.
- Check that you have a strong internet connection on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Ensure your medical records include your full name.
- Upload pictures (taken on your phone) or scanned documents in PDF format in our easy online application process.
Speak with one of Leafwell’s medical professionals and get all your questions answered on applying for a medical marijuana card. Book an appointment in our virtual clinic today.
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