Hello, this is BeringLab. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at a topic that comes up more often than you might think — the meaning of “medical records” and how to translate them accurately. Whether you’re living abroad, planning to study overseas, caring for a family member, or preparing medical documents for insurance claims, this is a topic worth paying close attention to.
A medical record is a clinical document that details a patient’s illness and treatment process. It includes everything from test results and prescribed medications to surgical notes — essentially, the entire medical history of the patient. Since these documents are written by medical professionals using highly specialized terminology, they can be difficult for the general public to understand.
Medical records are not just ordinary documents — under the law, healthcare institutions are required to create and store them. They also serve as key evidence when filing insurance claims or processing reimbursements. In case of a legal dispute, they can become the most crucial piece of documentation. From here, let’s explore how medical records are used in practice and how to translate them properly.
✍🏻 Types of Medical Records and How to Obtain Them
Medical records generally consist of ten major types of documents, including admission and discharge summaries, progress notes, and lab reports. The admission/discharge form at the front contains the patient’s basic information along with the dates of hospitalization. The discharge summary gives an overview of treatments received during the hospital stay. The medical history form provides a detailed record of the patient’s past illnesses, serving as an important reference for determining the direction of future treatment.
You can request medical records either at a designated hospital counter or online. For in-person requests, visit the administrative office or medical records department with valid identification. Many large hospitals now offer online issuance services through their websites, allowing for convenient access without an in-person visit. Please note, however, that online requests are usually limited to the patient or immediate family members.
When applying for medical records, a few important steps and documents are required. If the patient is applying directly, only an ID is needed. But if a family member is making the request, additional documents proving the relationship — such as a family certificate or resident registration — are required. If you want to receive all available records, it’s a good idea to clearly indicate “all medical records” on the request form. Fees vary depending on the hospital and are typically based on the number of pages.
✍🏻 How Are Medical Records Used, and Why Are They Important?
Unlike general check-up reports or visit confirmations, medical records include comprehensive information about test results and treatment processes, making them essential for protecting the patient’s right to information. Healthcare professionals rely on these records to accurately assess the patient’s condition and determine the best course of treatment.
They also play a critical role in facilitating communication between medical staff. In cancer screenings, for example, pathology reports contain far more detail than a standard medical certificate. For conditions like stroke or myocardial infarction, medical records that include MRI or echocardiography results are particularly important. These detailed test results and treatment notes help improve the quality of care and ensure better outcomes for patients.
Medical records also serve as vital legal evidence during insurance claims or disputes. In many cases, insurance reviews require not just general medical certificates, but full medical records with detailed information. Since these documents are filled with complex medical terminology and abbreviations, they often need to be interpreted accurately.
✍🏻 How to Translate Medical Records Quickly and Accurately
Whether you’re trying to better understand a family member’s diagnosis, preparing for treatment abroad, or submitting documents for an insurance claim, accurate translation of medical records is often necessary. So how can you ensure your translation is reliable and precise?
AI translation technology has come a long way in recent years, making it faster and more affordable to translate general documents. But clinical documents are a different matter. Medical terminology is nuanced and highly dependent on context — and AI alone still struggles to fully grasp these complexities. That’s why expert review is essential when it comes to medical records.
BeringLab offers an innovative translation service that combines cutting-edge AI technology with review by qualified medical professionals. Over 100 industry experts work with us to ensure translations are accurate and trustworthy. Once a translation is completed, our reviewers carefully inspect the text and make any necessary corrections. We also maintain strict security protocols, including immediate file deletion after translation, to safeguard your privacy.
We’ve now explored the definition of medical records, the types of documents involved, how to request them, and why high-quality translation is so important.
As globalization continues, the demand for medical record translation is only increasing. Whether for international treatment, academic programs, or insurance claims, the need for accurate translations is greater than ever. In all these cases, precision and reliability are key — and a deep understanding of medical terminology and context is critical to delivering high-quality translations.
BeringLab offers fast and accurate translation services for medical records, powered by AI and verified by expert reviewers. Our technology significantly reduces time and cost, while our human experts ensure top-tier quality. Try our free one-page trial today to experience the BeringLab difference — and get started with a translation service you can truly trust.
