Medical Records Custodianship

Get a Free Quote in Minutes!

Fill out our form below and we'll contact you with a free quote within 30 minutes during normal business hours or by the following business day if it's after hours.

Back

Medical Records Custodian Services

When a medical practice closes or stops practicing, the custodian of medical records takes control of that practice’s private health records. Why is this important? There are numerous legal and record management protocols that must be followed according to strict HIPAA guidelines. Record Nations can help you find a secure, reliable medical records custodian for your documents.

In addition to this, each state has its own set of regulatory laws regarding the retention of such records. These retention periods can last a few years to a few decades. Hiring a medical records custodian can free your practice from succumbing to the unique challenges these laws can present. Especially when the practice or physician is planning on retirement. 

Benefits of Medical Custodianship

Compliance with Regulations

Medical records custodians ensure that patient health information is managed in compliance with various regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. They are responsible for implementing policies and procedures to protect patient confidentiality, privacy, and security, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties and legal liabilities.

Data Integrity and Accuracy

Custodians oversee the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date medical records, ensuring that patient information is complete, legible, and accessible when needed. By implementing quality control measures and auditing procedures, helps prevent errors, discrepancies, and inconsistencies in medical documentation, promoting better patient care and clinical decision-making.

Efficient Record Retrieval

Medical records custodians streamline the process of retrieving patient records for healthcare providers, researchers, and other authorized users. By organizing and indexing medical records effectively, they facilitate quick and easy access to relevant information, improving workflow efficiency and reducing administrative burdens on healthcare professionals.

Patient Care Coordination

Custodians play a key role in facilitating communication and collaboration among healthcare providers by ensuring that patient records are shared securely and efficiently across different departments and healthcare settings. By maintaining comprehensive and interoperable medical records, they support continuity of care, care coordination, and patient safety initiatives.

Medical Records Custodian FAQs

Why would I need a records custodian?

Open
When you hire a custodian of medical records, that person or company takes control of the record-keeping process from start to finish. That means complying with all state and federal laws, HIPAA regulations, and ROI (release of information) requests. This can be tricky for individuals to navigate, especially since these regulations can vary from state to state.

What does the process of transferring my documents look like?

Open
Once the records are packed and transported, our providers take it from there. They will store and maintain all records, you just need to notify your patients about the change of custodianship, and all health information requests will go through the new custodian. Our providers can even release an accounting of disclosures to the patient upon request.

What happens to my existing electronic files?

Open
All existing EMR (electronic medical records) files will be transferred to secure servers where they can be indexed and easily referenced for accessibility. This can greatly reduce the time that a patient or physician needs to wait to receive the medical records requested.

What happens to my paper files?

Open
Our providers will collect physical materials that cannot be shredded and store them in a HIPAA-compliant storage facility. This means that these facilities are under 24/7 video surveillance, with fire suppression protocols and advanced security systems monitoring access around the clock. You can rest assured that your files will be looked after according to the highest industry standards.

How can I find a medical records custodian?

Open
Give Record Nations a call at (866) 385-3706, fill out the form, or click the live chat option on this page to find the right service, at the right price in your area.

How secure is the process of transferring my records to a custodian?

Open
All of our service providers comply with all state and federal data privacy regulations, including HIPAA and HITECH. They prioritize security in all of their scanning and storage processes.

Will my patients have to be notified about the change?

Open
Yes, you will have to notify your patients about your practice closing, that they have to find a new healthcare provider, how they can access their records, and any other changes that apply.

See What Our Customers Are Saying

Abbo
San Diego, CA
"Very friendly and professional service. We heard back from their partners in a timely fashion. We are so pleased with the results. We highly recommend Record Nations."
Deborah
Washington, DC
"Great Customer service, Very friendly with a pleasant attitude and very responsive to my questions. VERY attentive to my needs. Much appreciated."

Contact us for a free quote today!

Reach out to our team today to discuss document management solutions. We're here to explore your options and guide you to the perfect service for your needs.