FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES (Medical Records)

1. How can I get my child’s birth certificate?

To order a birth certificate, you may mail an application (including a picture identification of the requesting parent) with a check or money order for $15.00 to:

Vital Records
P O Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

You may also order by phone using a major credit card by calling 601-576-7988.The parent ordering the birth certificate by phone or online will be given an authorization number and will be required to fax a photocopy of their personal identification.

2. How can I get my child’s social security card?

If you completed the birth certificate process at the hospital, your child’s social security card will be automatically ordered through Vital Records in Jackson, MS, once your child’s birth certificate has been processed. For any questions, you may call 601-576-7887.

If you did not complete your child’s birth certificate at the hospital, you will need to contact our local Social Security office at 601-264-7780.

3. How long will it take for me to receive my child’s social security card?

Once your child’s birth certificate has been sent to Vital Records, it should take between 5 to 6 weeks to be mailed to the address on the birth certificate.

4. Where can I have a paternity test done?

To have a paternity test done, please call DNA Services of America in Jackson, MS at 816-795-6115. To have the test done locally, contact Capital DNA Testing, LLC at 601-201-0880.

5. How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate?

First, contact the funeral home that conducted the funeral. If the information is unobtainable from the funeral home, please contact the Mississippi State Department of Health at 601-576-7609.

6. How do I obtain a copy of a death certificate from several years ago?

Please contact the Mississippi State Department of Health at 601-576-7746 or 601-576-7609.

7. I’ve called the funeral home to obtain my copy of the death certificate, and they told me to call the hospital because they have not received it from the hospital. What takes so long?

Please rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to ensure that the death certificate is accurately completed in a timely manner. In the event we have been unable to have the physician complete the death certificate for any reason after three days, we immediately contact the county coroner or his deputies to have them complete and file the death certificate. We fully understand the urgency of obtaining a death certificate and will help in any way that is within our power.

8. How can I obtain a copy of my test results or medical record?

Please come to our Release of Information Department located conveniently off of the main lobby on the first floor. You will be required to sign an Authorization for the Release of Medical Records and provide a picture identification. We are concerned about respecting your privacy and protecting your information; therefore, a picture identification is required for this process.

9. How soon can I have my record?

By policy, we are not allowed to release an incomplete record to you. Physicians are granted 30 days from the date of discharge to complete records, although many are completed before that. Once we have received your authorization and the record is complete, we require 48 hours to process your request.

10. Is there a charge for copies of records?

We are allowed by state law to charge a reasonable fee based on the reasonable costs associated with fulfilling your request. A price list is posted in the Release of Information Department.

11. Where can I get more information on obtaining a copy of my medical record?

You can call our Release of Information Department at 601-261-5877.

12. I received a Notice of Privacy Practices in the mail. Why did I get this, and what do I do with it?

If we pre-registered you for a test or procedure at the hospital, and then you did not come in, we want you to know that we treat your information with the utmost respect and confidentiality. The Notice of Privacy Practices is a document that explains the ways that your information can and should be used. The notice is yours to keep, but your response is not required.