If you are a Downwinder, onsite participant, or uranium worker filing a claim under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), you will need medical documentation proving a compensable diagnosis.
- Pathology Reports or Tissue Biopsies: This is the "gold standard" for cancer claims. It is the laboratory report that definitively diagnoses the specific type of cancer.
- Operative Reports: If a surgery was performed to remove a tumor or take a biopsy, the surgeon's notes outlining the procedure and findings are highly valuable.
- Hospital Discharge Summaries: If the patient was hospitalized for their illness, the summary generated upon their discharge will typically list all confirmed diagnoses and treatments.
Please be aware that many health systems and hospitals periodically purge older medical files. Tracking down decades-old documentation can be challenging.
As a Last Resort: If you are unable to obtain your pathology or medical records on your own, you can check the authorization box on the official DOJ claim form. This grants the Department of Justice permission to request your records directly from the state tumor registries on your behalf once your claim is actively being processed.New Mexico Tumor Registry Pre-Checks
Before officially applying for RECA, New Mexico allows you to check if you or your deceased family member are listed in their tumor registry to see if the DOJ will be able to successfully retrieve those records.
New Mexico Tumor Registry (NMTR)
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) provides a specific form for this process.
Pre-Check Request Form: You can submit the Request to Check if Someone Is Listed in the Tumor Registry form directly to the NMDOH by visiting the New Mexico Department of Health website.
- Yes/No Confirmation Only: The NMDOH can only confirm “yes” or “no” regarding whether someone is listed in the registry.
- No Medical Files Provided: They cannot provide actual medical records, state the specific type of cancer, or give information about whether a diagnosis meets RECA eligibility requirements.
- State Specific: They cannot check other state cancer registries.
There are many reasons that a person who has had cancer may not be listed in the NMTR. Whether the name you are searching is listed or not, if you believe you or your family member is eligible, the NMDOH encourages you to proceed with applying for RECA benefits through the U.S. Department of Justice.
Unlike New Mexico, the cancer registries in UT, ID, AZ, and NV do not offer a public "pre-check" form. For these states, you must use the standard method: checking the authorization box on your official RECA claim form so the Department of Justice can request the records directly from the registries on your behalf.
Requesting Records for Deceased Family Members
If you are filing a RECA survivor claim on behalf of a deceased loved one, federal HIPAA regulations protect their medical privacy for 50 years after their passing. However, surviving family members can legally obtain these files by following specific pathways.
Who Has the Legal Right to Request Records?
- Personal Representative: The legal right to request records belongs to the estate's appointed executor or administrator.
- Next-of-Kin Hierarchy: If no formal estate or will exists, state law establishes a next-of-kin hierarchy who can act as the representative—typically beginning with the surviving spouse, followed by adult children, parents, and siblings.
Required Documentation for Hospitals
When contacting any of the Medical Records or Health Information Management (HIM) departments listed below for a deceased family member, you must be prepared to provide:
- A certified copy of the patient's official Death Certificate.
- Your valid government-issued photo ID.
- Legal documentation proving your authority or relationship (e.g., court letters of administration, a marriage certificate, or your own birth certificate).
Important RECA Survivor Workarounds
Before going through the process of requesting records from a hospital, check to see if your claim fits either of these shortcuts:
- The Death Certificate Rule: The DOJ will accept a certified copy of the death certificate as the sole medical proof if it is signed by an attending physician (MD or DO) and explicitly lists the qualifying cancer or illness as the cause of death or a significant contributing condition.
- State Tumor Registries: You can check the authorization box on your survivor claim form to grant the DOJ permission to contact the state tumor registry directly to verify the diagnosis on your behalf, bypassing the hospital entirely.
Intermountain Health Facilities
Online Records Request: You can request medical and pathology records from any of these facilities digitally via the Intermountain Health Records Request Wizard.
Utah
- Alta View Hospital (Sandy, UT)
- American Fork Hospital (American Fork, UT)
- Bear River Valley Hospital (Tremonton, UT)
- Cedar City Hospital (Cedar City, UT)
- Delta Community Hospital (Delta, UT)
- Fillmore Community Hospital (Fillmore, UT)
- Garfield Memorial Hospital (Panguitch, UT)
- Heber Valley Hospital (Heber City, UT)
- Intermountain Layton Hospital (Layton, UT)
- Intermountain Medical Center (Murray, UT)
- LDS Hospital (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Logan Regional Hospital (Logan, UT)
- McKay-Dee Hospital (Ogden, UT)
- Orem Community Hospital (Orem, UT)
- Park City Hospital (Park City, UT)
- Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake Campus (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Primary Children's Hospital, Miller Campus (Lehi, UT)
- Primary Children's Hospital, Taylorsville Campus (Taylorsville, UT)
- Riverton Hospital (Riverton, UT)
- Sanpete Valley Hospital (Mt. Pleasant, UT)
- Sevier Valley Hospital (Richfield, UT)
- Spanish Fork Hospital (Spanish Fork, UT)
- St. George Regional Hospital (St. George, UT) — Note: This facility houses a dedicated RESEP (Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program) clinic.
- The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital / TOSH (Murray, UT)
- Utah Valley Hospital (Provo, UT)
Idaho
- Cassia Regional Hospital (Burley, ID)
(Note: In 2023, Mountain View Hospital and Idaho Falls Community Hospital in Idaho Falls entered a minority partnership with Intermountain, but they retain independent operations and may use their own medical records departments rather than the Intermountain Datavant wizard).
HCA Healthcare Facilities
Online Records Request: You can request medical and pathology records from any of these facilities digitally via the HCA Healthcare Records Request Wizard.
Utah (MountainStar Healthcare)
- Brigham City Community Hospital (Brigham City, UT)
- Cache Valley Hospital (North Logan, UT)
- Lakeview Hospital (Bountiful, UT)
- Lone Peak Hospital (Draper, UT)
- Mountain View Hospital (Payson, UT)
- Ogden Regional Medical Center (Ogden, UT)
- St. Mark's Hospital (Salt Lake City, UT)
- Timpanogos Regional Hospital (Orem, UT)
Idaho
- Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (Idaho Falls, ID)
- West Valley Medical Center (Caldwell, ID)
Nevada (Sunrise Health System)
- Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center (Las Vegas, NV)
- MountainView Hospital (Las Vegas, NV)
- Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center (Las Vegas, NV)
Huntsman Cancer Institute & U of U Health
Because the Huntsman Cancer Institute is part of the University of Utah Health system, all historical medical records and pathology reports are processed centrally through the U of U Health Information Department.
Online Records Request: If the patient is enrolled in the University of Utah Health patient portal, the fastest method is to log in to your MyChart account, navigate to the "Health" section, and submit a "Medical Records Request Form" directly.
Medical Records Department Contact
- Phone: (801) 581-2704 (Call for questions or to request the Patient Authorization form)
- Fax: (801) 581-2177
Submitting Paper Request Forms
If you cannot use the MyChart portal to obtain records for a RECA claim, you must submit the official Patient Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information form:
- By Mail, Email, or Fax: If you submit the authorization form remotely, your signature must be notarized to verify your identity.
- In Person: You can request your records in person at the Health Information Department. You must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. A U of U Health staff member will witness your signature, meaning no notary is required for in-person requests.
Primary Facilities Served
- Huntsman Cancer Institute (Salt Lake City, UT)
- University of Utah Hospital (Salt Lake City, UT)
- U of U Health Community Clinics and Specialty Centers
Teton Cancer Institute (TCI)
Teton Cancer Institute (an affiliate of Mountain View Hospital) operates specialized oncology and radiation centers in Eastern Idaho. Because they operate separate specialty clinics, you will typically need to request your records directly from the specific office where you received treatment.
Medical Records Note: TCI does not use a centralized online records wizard. Claimants should call the primary medical oncology office to request a medical release form or inquire about obtaining a certified copy of their pathology and treatment records. You can visit their website at tetoncancer.com for general information.
Medical Records & Clinic Contacts
To request your records, contact the specific TCI location where your care was managed:
- Idaho Falls Medical Oncology (Main Office)
Phone: (208) 523-1100
Fax: (208) 523-1317
Location: 1957 E. 17th St., Idaho Falls, ID 83404 - Idaho Falls Radiation Oncology
Phone: (208) 542-7220
Fax: (208) 522-7600
Location: 1550 Hoopes Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83404 - Rexburg Clinic
Phone: (208) 356-9559
Fax: (208) 356-6601
Location: 380 Walker Dr., Rexburg, ID 83440
Types of Records to Request from TCI
Because TCI is a specialized cancer center, they are highly likely to have the specific documents required by the DOJ for a RECA claim. When contacting them, specifically ask for your pathology reports and physician summary notes that confirm your cancer diagnosis.
Health West Clinics
Health West is a network of community health centers primarily serving Southeastern Idaho, with additional locations in Utah and Wyoming. They manage medical records internally rather than through a third-party portal.
Online Records Request: Claimants who were seen at a Health West clinic can request their records or download the official release forms directly from the Health West Medical Records Page.
Health West Medical Records Contact
- Patient Portal: Existing patients can log into the Health West Patient Portal to directly download past medical files and lab results.
- General Mainline: (208) 232-7862 (For routing to specific clinic records departments)
Primary Service Areas
Health West operates clinics in the following regional areas relevant to RECA claimants:
- Idaho Locations: Pocatello, Chubbuck, American Falls, Aberdeen, Downey, Preston, and Lava Hot Springs.
- Utah Locations: Health West operates select community clinic services extending into northern Utah.
Uintah Basin Healthcare (UBH)
Uintah Basin Healthcare is a major community-owned healthcare provider serving northeastern Utah. They provide internal medical records processing for their main hospital, clinic locations, and urgent care centers.
Online Records Request: Patients can view information on requesting records, download authorization forms, or access the patient portal on the Uintah Basin Healthcare Medical Records Page.
UBH Medical Records Departments
- Roosevelt Medical Records: (435) 722-6169
Location: 187 W Lagoon St, Roosevelt, UT 84066 - Vernal Medical Records: (435) 781-3486
Location: 625 W 500 N, Vernal, UT 84078
Primary Facilities Served
- Uintah Basin Medical Center (Roosevelt, UT)
- Vernal Health Center (Vernal, UT)
- UBH Clinic Locations & Urgent Care Centers (Altamont, Roosevelt, Vernal)
Bingham Healthcare
Bingham Healthcare is a network of hospitals and specialty clinics serving Eastern Idaho. They process medical records centrally through their Health Information Management department at Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot.
Online Records Request: Patients can submit an online request form or access the medCONNECT patient portal to download records directly on the Bingham Healthcare Medical Records Page.
Medical Records Department Contact
- Phone: (208) 782-3975 (Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
- Fax: (208) 782-2952
- Email: roi@binghammemorial.org
- Mailing Address:
Bingham Memorial Hospital
Attn: Medical Records
98 Poplar Street
Blackfoot, ID 83221
Primary Facilities Served
The central medical records department handles requests for all Bingham facilities, including:
- Bingham Memorial Hospital (Blackfoot, ID)
- Grove Creek Medical Center (Blackfoot, ID)
- Bingham Clinics & Urgent Care Centers (Ammon, Arco, Blackfoot, Chubbuck, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Shelley)
University of New Mexico (UNM) Health & RESEP Clinic
The University of New Mexico (UNM) Health system operates a dedicated Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP) clinic. This clinic specializes in screening, documenting, and supporting uranium workers, onsite participants, and downwinders filing RECA claims.
UNM RESEP Clinic Contact
- Phone: (505) 272-4672
- Services: Free medical screenings, review of screening reports for RECA qualification, and providing necessary medical paperwork for RECA claims.
Primary UNM Health Facilities
- UNM Hospital (Albuquerque, NM)
- UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center (Albuquerque, NM)
- UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (Rio Rancho, NM)
UNM Medical Records Department
For claimants who need to request historical medical and imaging records directly from UNM Health facilities:
- Phone: (505) 272-2141
- Medical Records Fax: (505) 272-0468
- Imaging Requests Fax: (505) 272-6608
- Email: AskMedicalRecords@salud.unm.edu
New Mexico Cancer Center (NMOCH)
The New Mexico Cancer Center, operated by New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, is an independent, physician-owned facility with locations in Albuquerque and Gallup. They manage medical records internally.
Online Records Request: Existing patients who have registered for an account can access and download their health information securely through the CareSpace Patient Portal.
Medical Records & General Contact
If you do not have a CareSpace account or need to request complete archival records for a RECA claim, you must contact their administrative office directly:
- Phone: (505) 842-8171
- Toll-Free: (800) 259-2967
- Mailing Address:
New Mexico Cancer Center
4901 Lang Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Locations Served
- Albuquerque Campus (4901 Lang Avenue NE)
- Gallup Campus (2240 College Drive)
(Note: If the patient was treated at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, please refer to the UNM Health section above, as they are separate institutions with different medical records departments).
Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC)
Gila Regional Medical Center is a county-owned, critical access hospital located in Silver City, New Mexico. Their Health Information Management (HIM) department manages all historical medical and pathology records internally.
Online Records Request: If the patient was seen recently and enrolled in the patient portal, you can access clinical summaries and lab results through the GRMC My Medical Records Portal.
Medical Records (HIM) Department Contact
For complete historical records required for a RECA claim, you will need to submit a signed health information release form to the HIM office directly:
- Phone: (575) 538-4108 (Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM MST)
- Fax: (575) 538-4114 or (575) 538-4164
- In-Person / Mailing Address:
Gila Regional Medical Center
Attn: Medical Records / HIM
1313 E. 32nd Street
Silver City, NM 88061
Facilities Served
- Gila Regional Medical Center (Silver City, NM)
- GRMC Outpatient Clinics and Cancer Center (Silver City, NM)
Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Presbyterian Healthcare Services operates a large network of hospitals and clinics throughout New Mexico. They centralize their medical records requests through their Health Information Management department in Albuquerque.
Online Records Request: Existing patients can log into their MyChart account and use the "Sharing Hub" and "Document Center" to download records directly for free at the Presbyterian MyChart Portal.
Medical Records / Release of Information Contact
If you need to request complete archival records for a RECA claim, you can submit the Authorization Form for Release of Protected Health Information to their central office via email, fax, or mail:
- Phone: (505) 841-1944 (Hours: M-F, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Fax: (505) 841-1153
- Email: phsroi@phs.org
- Mailing Address:
Release of Information/Medical Records
PO Box 26666
Albuquerque, NM 87125
In-Person Requests
You can also request records in person at the Health Information Management Office located at:
- Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital (Physician Office Building, 1st Floor)
8300 Constitution Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Major Facilities Served
- Presbyterian Hospital (Albuquerque, NM)
- Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital (Albuquerque, NM)
- Presbyterian Rust Medical Center (Rio Rancho, NM)
- Santa Fe Medical Center (Santa Fe, NM)
- Regional hospitals including Lincoln County Medical Center, Española Hospital, Socorro General, Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial, and Plains Regional Medical Center.
Banner Health (Arizona)
Banner Health operates one of the largest hospital and specialty networks across Arizona. They process medical record requests through a centralized Health Information Management vendor (MRO).
Online Records Request: Existing patients can easily download their health and medical summaries through their Banner Health Patient Account.
Medical Records Department Contact (MRO)
If you need to request complete archival records for a RECA claim that are not available in the portal, you can submit a paper request:
- Phone: (888) 668-8360 (MRO National Service Center)
- Fax: (408) 608-2607
Major Facilities Served
- Banner - University Medical Center (Phoenix and Tucson)
- Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center (Gilbert, AZ)
- Banner Estrella Medical Center (Phoenix, AZ)
- Banner Heart Hospital (Mesa, AZ)
- Banner Boswell Medical Center (Sun City, AZ)
Renown Health (Nevada)
Renown Health is Northern Nevada's largest locally owned not-for-profit healthcare network. They centralize their medical records processing in Reno.
Online Records Request: Existing patients can log into their Renown MyChart Portal to view and download health summaries and lab results.
Medical Records / HIM Department Contact
For complete historical records required for a RECA claim, you will need to submit a completed Authorization for Release of Health Information form:
- Phone: (775) 982-2790
- Fax: (775) 982-3759
- Email: statuscheck@renown.org
- Mailing Address:
Renown Regional Medical Center
Attn: HIM / Medical Records / ROI
1155 Mill St., Mail Code 012
Reno, NV 89502
Major Facilities Served
- Renown Regional Medical Center (Reno, NV)
- Renown South Meadows Medical Center (Reno, NV)
- Renown Rehabilitation Hospital (Reno, NV)