Usually the differences in retention apply to pediatric vs. adult, and
mammography films.  I am aware of some facilities that have different
retention rates for special programs (e.g., special studies of
asbestos-related occupations) but generally not for films documenting
procedures as common as joint replacement.  Varying retention rates may
apply to radiology films that are part of employee health records, and then
you'll need to consider whether or not the employees are subject to OSHA
regulations (in California, the difference is 6 vs. 30 years!). Check your
state rules and regs for record retention.

IMHO, assigning a variety of retention rates could lead to confusion (and
increased costs) in selecting films to be destroyed vs. those to be
retained, and if it looks at all arbitrary or defensive, it might be
difficult to defend your policies in the event of litigation.

Liz Allan, RHIA
Director of Client Programs
SOURCECORP Deliverex
San Jose, CA


-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Brouillette, Deanna L.
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2005 9:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: X-Ray Retention

Hello all,



One of our departments would like to apply a different retention period
to specific types of x-rays, and not to others.  Do any other hospitals
or health organizations assign different retentions for different types
of x-rays, such as joint replacement x-rays?



Thanks in advance,

Deanna Brouillette, CRM

University of Texas Medical Branch

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