X-rays are a vital part of patient diagnosis, and, as such, they are considered part of the medical record. Therefore, x-rays have the same important status as any other part of the patient’s chart and should be maintained according to standard record retention requirements.
Although the Illinois Medical Practice Act requires physicians to “establish and maintain” patient records, it does not specify the actual number of years that a physician office must maintain x-rays or office medical records of any type. For that reason, the ICS advises members to look to other laws for guidance about retention of x-rays and all other patient records.
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