Removing Old Medical Records: What You Need to Know

Medical history is a critical part of your personal health journey. It records your past illnesses, treatments, and other medical conditions. Once you have faced a health challenge, it remains a part of your medical record, regardless of whether you have successfully overcome it or moved on to a healthier state.

However, there may be instances where you want to remove certain records from your medical history. For example, you may have had a past medical condition that is no longer relevant, or you might have had an embarrassing condition, such as an STD. But, should you even attempt to remove these records?

Common Practices in Medical Record Disposal

Medical practices and hospitals have different policies when it comes to disposing of old medical records. Typically, in major hospitals, departments such as cardiology, radiology, and pediatrics tend to keep records for about 8-10 years. The oncology department, on the other hand, retains records indefinitely due to the critical nature of these cases.

For personal medical records, there are specific steps to ensure they are disposed of correctly. If the records contain any personal identifying information, they should be securely shredded using a professional document destruction service. This guarantees that the data cannot be accessed by any unauthorized parties.

Without personal identifying information, you can dispose of the records in a regular trash bin or a recycling bin. However, for an added layer of security, you can also opt for the professional shredding service to ensure all sensitive information is completely removed.

Long-Term File Storage and Accessibility

Attorneys and other healthcare professionals often maintain digital copies of medical records on CD or other storage media. These files are kept for future reference, particularly in cases where they may be needed for legal or disability claims. Even if you think a record is irrelevant, it could be valuable in the future for legal purposes, such as a disability claim or workers' compensation case.

The rationale behind keeping these records is that it can save time and effort when trying to reconstruct a patient's medical history. If a patient or their legal representative needs a quick and accurate medical record, having a digital file can be extremely helpful. In cases where multiple medical providers need to be contacted to gather records, having a single, comprehensive file can significantly reduce the time and effort involved.

Best Practices for Record Disposal

When it comes to disposing of old medical records, it is crucial to follow best practices to ensure data security and compliance with legal standards. Here are some key steps to consider:

Shredding with Personal Identifying Information: Use a professional shredding service to ensure all sensitive data is completely destroyed. Most offices have local shredding services that can provide this service. Disposing of Non-Personal Information: Simply place the records in a regular trash bin or recycling bin if they do not contain personal identifying information. Maintaining Digital Copies: Keep digital copies of important records on CD or other storage media for future reference. This can be particularly useful if you or your healthcare provider may need to access these records subsequently.

Conclusion

While it may be tempting to remove certain old medical records from your history, it is essential to understand the implications of doing so. Removing records not only erases important health information but can also affect your medical history and legal rights.

For the vast majority of records, it is best to let them remain in your medical history. If you have concerns about certain records, it is always advisable to consult a legal professional or a healthcare provider. They can offer guidance on how to handle sensitive information while ensuring your privacy and data security are maintained.