Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: How long should I keep patient files before destroying them? I have heard answers ranging from seven years to 10 years. I have also been told to keep children's charts for 30 years.

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: You can be audited by Medicare and Medicaid for up to the previous 10 years, so keeping records for the maximum is the safe bet in case of an audit.

Policy on records retention varies from office to office, with some practices keeping physician records for up to seven years and hospital records for up to 10 years.

Insurance companies have said that a good rule is 10 years for adults and 25 years for children. There are some practices that never destroy their records, as well as practices that contact patients to tell them when their records are due to be destroyed.

Useful hint: Hang on to any records you have for a patient who has been involved in litigation above and beyond any records retention policy you implement.