Back to School – Document Management for Physicians 101
September means that it’s football season, temperatures are dropping off, and that kids everywhere are heading back to school. Do you ever think back and miss those days of anxiously heading to your first day of school? Do you miss learning and the thrill of cracking open a new text book or buying your school supplies? If so, relax because Datafied is bringing you a crash course of your own on document management. So sit back, relax and get ready to learn all about document management for physicians!
What is document management and why does it matter?
Document management is the way that you handle the records in your office. For physicians, that means patient records, test and scan results, medical histories, billing files, insurance information and more. These records all contain sensitive and personal information and need to be handled carefully. By mishandling the information, you can not only interfere with your patient’s receiving the best care possible, but you can also let their personal information get into the wrong hands. By having high quality document management practices, you can keep your patients safe and healthier.
Do I have to keep records for my patients?
Yes, you have to keep records for your patients. Their medical histories need to be documented and test results should be retained for future use. Even if a patient is no longer seeing you, there are requirements that you hold their medical records for a certain timeframe before disposing of them. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can not only get you in trouble, but it can also hinder their medical care.
What do I do with records when I close my medical office and retire?
If you are thinking of retiring, there are a few options for you. The first of which is to store the old patient records in a secure facility or location. The other option is to scan the paper files into a digital database and then shred the documents that you are no longer responsible for keeping. Both methods have pros and cons and it’s important to discuss your options with an experienced document management service provider.
Is there someone who provides document management services for physicians?
As a matter of fact, yes there is someone who offers document management services for physicians. Datafied has been doing just that since 1993! For 31 years, we have been working to become a leader in the document retrieval and management industry and the medical field is where our roots are strongest. If you need assistance with medical record retrieval, Release of Information provider, or document management, Datafied can help. We provide storage, shredding, and scanning services to physicians who are currently practicing, as well as those who are in the process of or contemplating retirement. To learn more about the full suite of document management services that we offer, contact us today at 800-765-7510 or visit us on the web at Datafied.
