In lieu of maintaining patient records, a podiatrist may choose to do what?

• A. Destroy the chart after 5 years
• B. Archive the chart with the Board
• C. Send the chart to the patient’s insurer
• D. Turn over the office chart or a copy of the original chart to the patient

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that patients have a right to access their medical records. If a podiatrist no longer maintains patient records, the proper course is to provide the patient with their chart or a copy of the chart. This ensures the patient has continued access to their own health information and can seek care or review history as needed.

Destroying the chart would violate retention and patient rights; archiving with the Board delays or denies the patient access; sending the chart to the insurer twists access for a third party without the patient’s explicit consent. Providing the chart to the patient directly upholds confidentiality and continuity of care.