Updated July 14, 2026: To complete patient forms accurately and support sound decision-making, ARA encourages an office visit with a provider to complete all forms. If an office visit occurs to fill out the form, there will be no additional charge for completion. If no office visit occurs and the provider must complete the form without the patient being present, a fee will apply: the fee for forms of one to two pages is $35, and the fee for forms of more than two pages, including FMLA, disability forms, and other more complex forms—is $100. You must submit the form through ARA’s patient portal for review prior to the visit. The provider will review the form and determine whether it is appropriate for rheumatology to complete it. If it is determined that the form should be completed by rheumatology, the provider will notify the patient whether they need an appointment to complete the form.
Forms that patients may request to be completed by their providers include:
- FMLA paperwork
- Disability forms**
- Jury duty excuse
- Handicapped placards
- Workplace accommodations
- Time away from work and / or return to work or school forms
- Transportation / Metro Access forms
- Letters for various purposes
- Clearance for medical procedures, including dental procedures
**ARA providers will consider filling out disability forms and FMLA paperwork only for patients who have been with ARA for at least one year and have been seen at least once in the last six months. Even beyond this time frame, your provider may determine that it is appropriate for your PCP or another specialist to manage your disability application and forms. ARA providers do not have the experience or training to prepare disability documents from a legal perspective. Any requested disability information will be primarily based on objective information obtained from physical examinations, diagnostic studies, and laboratory findings, which may not support a disability claim. Patients should discuss with their attorney whether disability documents should be obtained from another specialist who performs disability evaluations on a regular basis.
Medical Records Request
Patients can submit their request for their medical records through the patient portal or by filling out the medical request form.
ARA will charge patients, or a patient’s personal representative, for requested copies of medical records if:
1. The patient requests the copy to be by paper and mailed. ARA will charge for the cost of postage only if it totals $3.00 or more.
2. If the request is to be sent by encrypted email, the flat fee of $6.50 will apply.
3. If the patient requests to have the copies by portable media, we currently only have CDs available which will also be subject to the flat fee of $6.50.