How to purge and archive paper charts.
PURGING and ARCHIVING PAPER CHARTS
Step 1- Purge all inactive files (remember it means to remove inactive records!)
Read the year label on the chart, and remove charts over 1, 2 or 3 years, depending on office policy.
Step 2- Alphabetically file all charts in boxes provided by storage company.
Step 3- Mark the outside of the box with the name of the facility, box number, and date.
Step 4- Make a list of all patients sent to storage. Information to include: Patients first and last name Patients birth date Patients last appointment date.
Keep a copy of the list so when you need a chart you can look it up and know the date it was sent. This information is important for the storage company to search for the chart.
Step 5- Call the storage company for pick-up. Make sure you get a receipt for the items sent.
