Limit on Fees for Transitioning Medical Records for Physicians Retiring or Relocating
MEDCHI, THE MARYLAND STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
INTRODUCED BY: Montgomery County Medical Society
SUBJECT: Limit on Fees for Transitioning Medical Records for Physicians Retiring or Relocating
REFERRED TO:
- ________________________________________________________________
- Whereas, many electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management companies impose exorbitant
- fees on physicians who are retiring or relocating to other states for the transition or maintenance of patient
- medical records; and
- Whereas, these fees which are upward of $20,000 impose significant financial burdens on physicians,
- particularly those who are closing their practice or entering retirement; and
- Whereas, ensuring smooth continuity of care and compliance with medical record retention requirements is
- critical for both patient safety and legal protection, but should not result in unjust financial hardship for
- physicians; and
- Whereas, transitioning medical records is an essential part of closing or relocating a practice, and imposing
- inflated fees may deter physicians from ensuring proper patient record management; and
- Whereas, unreasonable fees for such services could potentially result in delays in record transfers, which
- may negatively impact patient care; therefore be it
- Resolved, that MedChi work, both regulatorily and/or legislatively, to prevent electronic medical record
- (EMR) and/or practice management companies from charging physicians, who are retiring from practice or
- leaving the state to practice elsewhere, more than $1,000 for the transition or maintenance of their patients’
- medical records; and be it further
- Resolved, that MedChi advocate for state and federal legislation to regulate EMR and practice management
- companies, ensuring that fees for transitioning or maintaining medical records are transparent, reasonable,
- and standardized to prevent undue financial hardship on physicians.