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:

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  1. Whereas, many electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management companies impose exorbitant
  2. fees on physicians who are retiring or relocating to other states for the transition or maintenance of patient
  3. medical records; and
  4.  
  5. Whereas, these fees which are upward of $20,000 impose significant financial burdens on physicians,
  6. particularly those who are closing their practice or entering retirement; and
  7.  
  8. Whereas, ensuring smooth continuity of care and compliance with medical record retention requirements is
  9. critical for both patient safety and legal protection, but should not result in unjust financial hardship for
  10. physicians; and
  11.  
  12. Whereas, transitioning medical records is an essential part of closing or relocating a practice, and imposing
  13. inflated fees may deter physicians from ensuring proper patient record management; and
  14.  
  15. Whereas, unreasonable fees for such services could potentially result in delays in record transfers, which
  16. may negatively impact patient care; therefore be it
  17.  
  18. Resolved, that MedChi work, both regulatorily and/or legislatively, to prevent electronic medical record
  19. (EMR) and/or practice management companies from charging physicians, who are retiring from practice or
  20. leaving the state to practice elsewhere, more than $1,000 for the transition or maintenance of their patients’
  21. medical records; and be it further
  22.  
  23. Resolved, that MedChi advocate for state and federal legislation to regulate EMR and practice management
  24. companies, ensuring that fees for transitioning or maintaining medical records are transparent, reasonable,
  25. and standardized to prevent undue financial hardship on physicians.