Best Practices for Dental Patient Records
Date: February 4, 2010
Co-Author: Philip M. Bogart, Esq.
The importance of a dental practice’s patient records cannot be overstated. Dental practices are required by law to produce and maintain adequate patient records. Failure to do so can expose the practice to significant risks and liabilities. In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and many other laws and regulations require the retention of records for varying periods of time.
Clear, organized, and detailed dental records are necessary to provide patients with the best care possible. Moreover, a dental practice’s records may be used in a court of law in connection with the prosecution and/or defense of malpractice claims or other civil lawsuits. As a result, here are certain “best practices” that should be considered in connection with the creation, maintenance, and destruction of patient records.
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