How long must providers who accept the Medicare Managed Care program maintain medical records?

Providers who accept the Medicare Managed Care program are required to maintain medical records for a minimum of 10 years. This requirement is established to ensure that adequate documentation is available for the auditing and monitoring of services provided under this program.

The 10-year retention period aligns with federal and state regulations that govern healthcare documentation and billing practices, emphasizing the importance of having comprehensive medical records available for review, particularly for claims that could be subject to audits by the Medicare program.

Maintaining records for this duration supports compliance with legal standards and gives providers a safeguard against potential disputes regarding services rendered, ensuring that they have the necessary documentation to support claims for reimbursement and provide quality care continuity for their patients.