Storing Paperwork

Article

How long is it necessary to store encounter forms?

Question: How long is it necessary to store encounter forms?

Answer: The IRS requires that the originating document (for physicians, the encounter form or charge ticket) from which a charge was generated be retained for the audit period. The IRS can examine a tax return and make adjustments within three years from the date of its filing. This period increases to six years if the return contains a very large understatement of income. The period may be indefinite if fraud is suspected. Therefore, some malpractice carriers recommend retaining accounts receivable documents, bank statements, canceled checks, and encounter forms for seven years.

Recent Videos
What is the real
What is the real
Pearls profiles: Get to know Neil Baum, MD
Pearls profiles: Get to know Neil Baum, MD
Are your patients satisfied?
9 pitfalls to avoid in your practice
Practice lessons from the works of Mark Twain
Practice lessons from the works of Mark Twain
The three stages of a physician's career
Using AI agents
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.