Old medical records tend to pile up, especially if you have a long history of health problems or records related to a short-term serious condition. These records usually include physician’s notes, diagnostic reports, communication memos, treatment plans, and bills. Healthcare systems receive detailed policies from state and federal government agencies and medical organizations about the best ways to purge old medical files, but patients usually do not receive similar guidance. Take these three steps to handle purging of old records in your name.
Sort and Organize the Records
If you do not already have your records organized in a manner that makes them easy to find and review, then sort general check-up documents by year and the rest by type and condition or year. Pull out anything that no longer applies to your current health or future health. For potential tax and payment evidence needs, sort medical bills and any related insurance documentation into their own category by year for tax.
Shred and Dispose of Unwanted Documents
As medical records contain private information, it is critical you destroy unwanted documents using a confetti-style shredder that makes it extremely difficult for identity thieves who steal from paper recycling and trash bins to put the documents back together. Other ideas: Consider using the confetti in compost bins, in the bottom of a pet cage to collect waste or in moving boxes as packing materials to cushion fragile items.
Scan and Electronically Store the Rest
Plenty of medical data storage programs allow you to electronically store scanned medical records so you can access old information and share it more easily then with hard copies if a doctor asks for details about an old health event or condition. That said, even though many people hate hard copies, you should always keep the originals in case you have difficulty sharing the files for some reason, such as a computer breakdown, software problems, file corruption, or website outage. Store those records in binders or a sturdy storage box that has handles and a lid.
Many patients believe it is okay to throw away all records because they can go back to their healthcare providers for information. In the United States, medical records retention requirements vary by state. Most states only require that healthcare providers retain a few years’ worth of records. Since purging all your old records can harm you later in life, these steps make it possible for you to reduce clutter and retain important health information.
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