How long does CMS recommend retaining medical records?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends retaining medical records for a period of 5 years from the date of service. This duration aligns with the need to ensure that health records are available for potential audits, quality assessments, and legal purposes. Retaining records for this time frame can also accommodate the various legal and operational requirements that health care providers face.

This retention period is significant as it balances the need for access to patient information for continuity of care and the necessity of safeguarding health information while adhering to regulatory guidelines. In practice, the 5-year retention policy helps ensure that necessary documentation is available for reviewing care provided and meeting billing requirements.