What are the retention requirements for mammography records?

• A. At least 5 years; at least 10 years if the patient has had no other mammograms at that facility; longer if required by state law
• B. At least 3 years
• C. Indefinitely
• D. 2 years

Answer: (A)

Retention of mammography records is governed by MQSA and any applicable state laws. The normal minimum is to keep the mammography images and the associated reports for at least five years from the date of the examination, which supports quality assurance, audits, and continuity of care. If the patient has had no prior mammograms at the facility, it is customary to extend retention to ten years to preserve a longer baseline for future comparisons. Some states require longer periods, so facilities must follow those laws when they exceed five years. Records kept only for a few years (like two or three) would not meet the regulatory standard, and keeping indefinitely isn’t the general requirement unless state law dictates it.