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Medicare medical record retention law

Currently, in 2022, the longest duration you must store medical records is 10 years according to § 3731. False claims procedure.

Physical Therapy Medical Record Retention Laws in 2022

by | Sep 14, 2022 | Documentation

How long is a physical therapist required to keep medical records?

The duration may vary based on governing body. Some third party payers may only require 3 years while federal law currently requires 10-years.

You are obligated to abide by the law or rule requiring the longest duration.

medical record retention law

Which medical record retention law or rule are physical therapists in private practice required to follow?

The short answer is… “All of them!”

You are required to follow the most strict of all local, state, and federal laws. The same holds true to third-party payer rules and regulations. Currently, 10-years is the longest duration for medical record retention laws and this comes from the federal law. 

Paper and Electronic Medical Records

Both paper and electronic medical records are subject to the § 3731. False claims procedure law.

Medicare Specific Guidelines for Medical Record Retention

The Medical Record Maintenance & Access Requirements is a 5-page document that outlines Medicare-specific requirements for medical record retention.

This document includes the following topics:

Who may request access to these medical records?
What type of documentation must you maintain and provide to us or one of our Medicare contractors?
What happens if you don’t maintain required documentation or don’t provide access?
What are some best practices for meeting the documentation and maintenance requirements?
CPT Code 97140 Manual Therapy

CPT Code 97140 Manual Therapy

CPT Code 97140 Documentation Guidelines Medicare Part B - According to Medicare LCD L34049 "Documentation must clearly support the need for continued manual therapy treatment beyond 12-18 visits. When the patient and/or caregiver has been...

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