Medical Records
Korean Medical Records (진료기록부) — Certified Translation
Korean medical records — including hospital discharge summaries (퇴원요약지), clinic progress notes (진료기록부), diagnostic reports, prescription histories, and specialist letters — must be translated by a certified medical translator before they are accepted by foreign immigration authorities, insurance companies, or overseas treating physicians. Seoul Apostille provides certified medical translations rendered by translators with healthcare terminology expertise, ensuring the clinical accuracy and format that foreign authorities require.
When This Guide Is Relevant
- Immigration medical examinations that require submission of prior Korean medical history (USCIS, IRCC, Home Affairs)
- Foreign insurance claims where the insurer requires Korean hospital records in English
- Continuing medical treatment abroad where the overseas physician needs to review Korean diagnoses, prescriptions, or surgical records
- Disability or worker's compensation claims in a foreign country requiring Korean medical evidence
- Clinical trials or specialist referrals abroad that require a full medical history from Korean providers
What to Prepare
- Korean medical records — hospital discharge summary (퇴원요약지), clinic notes (진료기록부), diagnostic imaging reports, operative notes, or prescription history as applicable
- Physician or hospital letterhead copies, not photocopies of photocopies — the receiving authority may check stamps and signatures
- Receiving authority's name and specific requirements (e.g., USCIS Form I-693 designated physician, foreign insurer claim number)
- List of diagnoses or conditions for which records are being submitted — helps ensure no relevant records are missed
Process Notes
- Medical translations require terminology accuracy — Seoul Apostille uses translators with healthcare or medical science backgrounds, not general translators
- Certified medical translations carry a translator competency statement and signature — required by immigration authorities (USCIS, IRCC) and accepted by most foreign insurers
- Korean medical records do not typically require apostille for clinical or insurance use; immigration authorities may require apostille for certain public health documents — we confirm requirements before starting
- Drug names appear in Korean (generic, brand, or INN) — translations standardize to INN (International Nonproprietary Name) where possible, with the Korean name noted in parentheses
- Imaging reports (CT, MRI, X-ray) and pathology reports are translated as written — if the original is illegible, we note this rather than guess
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a medical record translation need to be certified?
Yes, for immigration and insurance purposes. USCIS, IRCC, and most foreign insurers require a signed translator competency certificate confirming the translator is competent in both Korean and English and that the translation is accurate and complete. Seoul Apostille includes this certification as standard.
How do I obtain my Korean medical records?
You can request records directly from the treating hospital or clinic. Korean medical facilities are required by law to provide records upon patient request (의무기록 사본 발급). For records from multiple facilities, we can advise on the request process for each. Allow 3–7 business days for the hospital to prepare them.
Does the translation cover imaging (CT/MRI) reports as well?
Yes. Radiology reports, pathology results, and other diagnostic documents are translated in full. We do not translate the images themselves, only the written reports. If the original report is handwritten and partially illegible, we note this clearly in the translation.
How long does a medical record translation take?
Standard turnaround is 1–3 business days depending on volume. Short discharge summaries or single-page reports are typically done within 1 business day. Lengthy inpatient records or operative notes take 2–3 days. Rush processing is available for urgent immigration deadlines.
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