How long must Medicare records be kept?

Medicare records must be kept for 10 years from the date of service. This requirement is established to ensure that comprehensive documentation is available for audits, reviews, and any necessary investigations that may occur related to the services billed to Medicare. Keeping these records for a full decade helps providers maintain compliance with federal regulations, as well as ensures that patients' health information can be accessed for continuity of care or retrospective analysis.

The longer retention period can also mitigate risks related to audits by Medicare or other entities that may request supporting documentation for claims. Records maintained within this timeframe are crucial for demonstrating adherence to billing practices, verifying patient services, and addressing potential disputes regarding coverage or claims.

Understanding this timeframe is essential for pharmacists and healthcare providers to align their recordkeeping practices with federal regulations and to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.