Risk Management FAQ's

Just how long medical records should be kept depends upon the type of record, its potential use and specific legal requirements.

Georgia - By statute, the general rule is that medical records in the medical office (including any notes, lab reports and biopsy slides) must be maintained for at least 10 years from the date the item was created, usually the date of the last visit or treatment. Certain limited exceptions apply to the 10-year rule. By contrast, hospital records should be retained for at least 6 years after the patient's most recent discharge. Minor patients' records are handled differently; they should be maintained until the patient reaches their 27th birthday.

Finally, records should be kept indefinitely in riskier situations, including where there is an undesirable outcome, when a patient is unhappy with a result or any time a patient threatens or files a lawsuit.

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The risk management advice presented in this Site is intended as general information of interest to physicians and other healthcare professionals. The recommendations and advice published on this Site do not reflect or establish a standard of care and do not establish rules for the practice of medicine. The publication of this information is not intended as an offer to insure such conditions or exposures, or to indicate that MAG Mutual Insurance Company will underwrite such risks for the reader. Our liability is limited to the specific written terms and conditions of actual insurance policies issued.