South Carolina Medical Record Fees: The 2025-2026 Statutory Guide
In South Carolina, medical record fees are governed by S.C. Code § 44-7-325 (for facilities) and § 44-115-80 (for physicians). These rates are adjusted annually every July 1st by the Department of Public Health (DPH) based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
1. Statutory Fee Schedule (2025-2026)
The following rates are the maximum allowable charges effective through June 30, 2026.
| Service Type | Paper Records Fee | Electronic Records Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Clerical Fee | $33.73 (Max) | $33.73 (Max) |
| Search (No Record) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Pages 1–30 | $0.87 per page | $0.87 per page |
| Pages 31+ | $0.66 per page | $0.66 per page |
| Total Request Cap | $269.95 (Per admission) | $202.47 (Per request) |
| Postage | Actual Cost | Included/Actual |
Statutory Note on Inflation Adjustments
While the raw text of S.C. Code § 44-7-325 cites a $150.00 electronic cap and a $200.00 paper cap, subsection (A)(1)(d) requires these amounts to be adjusted annually for inflation. The figures in the table above represent the official 2026 CPI-adjusted maximums published by the SC Department of Public Health.
2. The Electronic vs. Paper Cap Distinction
- Electronic Records: The total charge cannot exceed $202.47 per request. This cap applies to the entire request, regardless of the number of pages or the number of different admissions included in that request.
- Paper Records: The total charge cannot exceed $269.95 per admission.
3. Mandatory Free Records (Continuing Care)
Under S.C. Code § 44-115-80(B), no fee may be charged for records:
- Requested by a health care provider for the purpose of continuing medical care.
- Sent to a health care provider at the request of the patient for continuing care/referrals.
4. X-Rays and Imaging
For X-rays and specialized media, the provider may charge the actual cost of reproduction (materials, supplies, and direct labor).
Audit Tip for South Carolina Paralegals
- The “Per Request” Electronic Cap: If an invoice for a digital file exceeds $202.47 because the hospital claimed there were “multiple admissions,” it is a violation of DPH guidelines.
- Sales Tax: South Carolina allows providers to add “applicable sales tax” to the clerical and per-page fees, but not to postage.
- Patient Search Fee: Section 44-7-325(1)(c) explicitly exempts patients from “no record found” fees.
Audit Your Invoice
If a South Carolina provider is exceeding the $202.47 electronic cap or misapplying “per admission” charges to a digital file, our auditor is updated with the latest 2026 CPI adjustments.
Not sure if your invoice is accurate? Use our Medical Record Fee Calculator to audit your charges against these South Carolina statutes.
Please understand that the materials on this web page are for general information purposes only, and is not intended as legal advice.