Medical records aren’t kept forever. Retention depends on state law, the provider, and the record type — here’s roughly how long, and why you shouldn’t wait to get copies.
Record retention is set mostly by state law and the type of provider, so it varies. Federal rules (like Medicare and HIPAA-related requirements) set some floors, but your state and the specific facility determine how long your records actually stick around.
These are general ranges — always check the rule for your state and provider.
If you later need old records for a new specialist, a disability or insurance matter, or a personal-injury claim, they may already have been purged — especially the actual imaging. The safe move is to get copies now and keep your own.
The only retention period you fully control is your own. UploMD requests your records from each facility and keeps them — including your viewable scans — in one place that doesn’t expire when a provider’s does.
UploMD requests your records from every facility, keeps your real MRI, CT & X-ray viewable on your phone, and lets you share securely with family, your care team, or an ER. Free to start.
Get started free See the live demoYes — once a provider’s state-required retention period passes, records may be destroyed. That’s why getting your own copy early matters.
Often until the age of majority plus several years, but the exact period is set by state law.
Commonly around 5–10 years, though imaging is sometimes retained for less time than the written report. Check the specific facility.
Yes — retention laws still apply. A successor practice, a custodian, or the estate typically holds them. See our guide on records from a closed practice.
This guide is general information, not legal or medical advice. Records-access rights and fees vary by state and facility; check with the specific provider for their process.