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Reminder: Providers and RHCs Must Retain Records for Specified Periods

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Individual providers and rural health clinic (RHC) facilities must retain medical records for a specified period as required by law.

The records retention requirements for each group are as follows:

  • Providers: A minimum of five years
  • Freestanding RHCs: A minimum of six years
  • Hospital-based RHCs: A minimum of ten years

Medical records must be retained starting with the date of service and continuing until all medical billing audit questions, appeal hearings, investigations, or court cases are resolved.

These requirements also apply to provider offices that have been permanently closed.

Video Reminder

Providers can refer to a YouTube video about the importance of retaining medical records at youtube.com/watch?v=ARlpzZlekeE.

For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at 800-925-9126.