General Category > General Questions
Paper work/Files
Pay_My_Claims:
Ok, I have to look more into this because I believe me and the poster are speaking of "non clinical" medical records. (which really shouldn't be called that). I read a couple of articles and NC has a 5 year record keeping law, and then there are federal and also "suggested" length of time from the AHIMA http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_012545.hcsp?dDocName=bok1_012545
I know we keep our records I believe at the DME company I work for at least 5 years, because our grave has charts to 2000, so that means they are compliant. We are doing EMR now so we will get rid of the graveyard soon. Our EOB's etc are not kept for that period of time unless a copy is put in the chart. I haven't seen records past 2 years for EOB's in any office that I worked in. I just started in March on my own, so I know I am already compliant :-), but I will research into it.
Thanks for the info.
PMRNC:
Here's a jump:
--- Quote ---On December 22, 2006, Public Acts 481 and 482 of 2006 became effective. Act 481 imposes obligations on individual providers and healthcare facilities and entities relating to the maintenance, retention and disposal of medical records, while Act 482 affects the disclosure of certain patient health information in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. These new laws may require individual providers, healthcare entities and facilities to review and revise their medical record retention and disposal policies and procedures to conform with the new requirements.
--- End quote ---
This is the update. It's always been required that medical practices retain records, each state also has their own. In our subscriber area we have a whole section on record retention. For Noth Carolina, Its one of those states not so cut/dry or black/white:
They actually have an 11 year statute for facilities/hospitals, hospice..but no "office" record policy which then places the minimum requirement to the federal level of 7 years.
It's important to note that billing records are a part of the medical record, PHI, and DRS (Designated Record Set)
PMRNC:
It's also important to note that the retention of records should be included in your compliance plan as well as policies and procedures.. for both the billing company and the medical office so there is a chain of consistency. If you are servicing clients in various states you need only document your retention period for the federal level unless state law supersedes.
Pay_My_Claims:
Again, I will research that, because entity to me doesn't necessarily mean me as a billing service. I don't provide health care. I also really don't have any medical records. I think that may be the controversy. It's not a dispute of your information, because I can't say you are wrong, when I really don't know. I just read an article on who "owns" the medical records, the provider or the billing agent. I have seen several post about providers asking for their medical records back from billing companies, and not to relinquish them You are correct when you say it's not clear, because it is up to interpretation. I want to see something that states MEDICAL BILLING COMPANIES, must maintain medical records (including eob's, patient demographics, clinical information etc) up to xxx amount of time. I don't want it to be so evasive. If I can't find that, I may still not believe I have to do it, but because I don't like prison...I would retain the records!!!
Pay_My_Claims:
*Linda*
Here is the article that I was reading. I know it's not law, but it is very interesting. It also relates to what I was speaking on as far as medical records. I don't consider EOB's etc part of a patient's medical record.
http://www.mpcg.org/news_det.phtml?id=5
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