How long must a podiatrist maintain a patient's podiatric medical record if the patient was seen in the office?

• A. Three years from the date of the last visit
• B. Five years from the date of the last visit
• C. Ten years from the date of the last visit
• D. Indefinitely

Answer: (B)

Medical record retention time after the last patient visit is the question’s focus. In Massachusetts podiatry practice, the standard requirement is to keep a patient’s podiatric medical record for five years from the date of the last visit. This duration provides enough history for ongoing care, quality review, and potential defense needs, without imposing an indefinite storage obligation. Shorter periods, like three years, risk losing important treatment information, while longer periods such as ten years or indefinite storage go beyond what the regulatory rule requires. If the patient was a minor at the time of care, there may be separate guidance, so consult the Board’s specific provisions for those situations.