How Long do Physicians Have to Keep Medical Records

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) provides help sorting through the rules regarding how long you must retain records at your practice.

Use AHIMA’s tables as a basic guideline, then develop an internal record-management policy that complies with the law. Visit the organization’s Web site to review “Practice Briefs,” one of its online resources.

• For a thorough state-by-state description of health record retention requirements, click here.
• For an equally thorough listing of guidelines for retaining business records, click here.

This nugget was adapted from 101 Practical Tips to Enhance Your Practice, from Advisory Publications, a division of HCPro, Inc. To order click here or call our Customer Service Department at 800/650-6787 for more information.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.