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  • Related Content

    • Coding Myths May Place Physicians at Risk
    • TMA Prepares You for ICD-10 in 2014
  • Medical Records

    • Medical Records Image READ MORE

      Some of the most common, yet vexing, legal issues facing medical practices involve questions about medical records.

      To whom may I release them? How long do I have once a request has been made? How long must I keep the records? What do I do when records are subpoenaed? How much may I charge for copies? To that end, TMA has a variety of informational and educational resources to assist physicians and their staffs.
  • TMA Offers Legal Information and Education

    • TMA’s Office of the General Counsel offers several whitepapers and information articles on medical records including:

      Access to Medical Records 

      Access to Medical Records of a Deceased Patient   membersonlyred(2) 

      Consent for Treatment of Minors 

      Medical Records - Fee for Copying 

      Medical Records Release 

      Retention of Medical Records 

      Subpoenas for Medical Records 

  • Sample Medical Record Forms

    • Below are some sample letters to guide you on the release and transfer of medical records.

       

      NOTICE: Please check the Texas Medical Board Web site ( www.tmb.state.tx.us ) for current updates on its rules and policies with respect to these issues. 

      Sample Clause for Transfer and Custody of Medical Records 

      Sample Letter: Authorization to Release Medical Records 

  • Tips on Medical Records

    • Read the following tips to learn more about medical records and your practice.

       

      Destroy Medical Records Securely  

      Electronic Medical Record Documentation Pointers 

      Fees for Copying Medical Records 

      Health Plan Requests for PHI  New 

      HIPAA and Medical Power of Attorney  New 

      How Long Do I Have to Keep Patient Medical Records?  

      Medical Records and the Divorced Parent  

      Medical Record Fee Must Equal Actual Costs   New 

      Medical Records Release and Other Physician’s Records 

      DPS Tracks Drug Shoppers 

      Moving Patient Charts from Paper to Electronic Form 

      Never Alter Medical Records 

      Practice Retention of Medical Records 

      Subpoena for Medical Records: What to Do When You’re Caught in the Middle 

      What Not to Include in a Medical Record 

      What Should We Include When Filling a Patient’s Records Request? 

      Who Owns the Medical Record? 

  • CME Programs on Medical Records

    • TMA offers the following educational programs about medical records.

       

      Medical Records and HIPAA: Truths and Myths - Medical records and HIPAA are inseparable. But separate the myths from the facts and you’ll get clarity on common misconceptions. 3.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (Live); 3.25 ETHICS; 3 TMLT 

       Electronic Medical Record Implementation Guide: The Link to a Better Future, Second Edition
      3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. TMA has designated this course for 3 credits in ethics and/or professional responsibility education. Offers TMLT discount. Expires: Sept. 1, 2012

      For those closing or selling medical practice TMA offers information about what to do with medical records in the publication, Closing or Selling Your Medical Practice: Legal and Financial Considerations.

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