Managing your medical documents is essential to ensure optimal monitoring of your health. Between the multitude of papers to sort, the legal retention periods and the advent of digital tools, it is sometimes difficult to navigate. True Medical guides you to understand which documents to keep, for how long, and how to organize them effectively. Also discover modern solutions, such as the “My health space” platform, to centralize your information in complete security.
What documents to keep and for how long?
To keep in the short or medium term
- CPAM reimbursement statements: 2 years minimum. They allow you to check the reimbursements made.
- Public hospital bills: Between 4 and 30 years, depending on the situation (especially for medical or surgical accidents).
- Medical prescriptions: 1 year minimum for general use; Up to 5 years for specific equipment such as glasses.
To be kept for life
Certain medical documents are essential throughout your life. Among them:
- Vaccination record;
- Health record;
- Blood group card;
- Important medical certificates;
- Results of major examinations (medical diagnoses, hospitalization reports);
- Discharge letter after hospitalization.
These elements help you keep track of major events in your medical journey and are essential in the event of an emergency.
Should we digitize everything? The “My health space” tool to the rescue
Since January 2022, the government has made available “My health space”, a secure digital platform managed by Health Insurance. Already adopted by more than 15 million French people, it centralizes your medical documents for quick and simplified access. The platform allows centralized management of all your files as well as a high level of security to avoid theft in the event of loss.
How to use it?
Automation is partial: certain documents are added directly by healthcare professionals. However, you will have to upload part of the archives yourself.
If you are not comfortable with computers, solutions exist: ask for help from your loved ones, in town halls or from France Services areas.
Practical advice for sorting your papers
- Retain important diagnoses and medical reports;
- Get rid of obsolete blood tests and tests;
- For x-rays or MRIs, only keep the reports, unless otherwise advised by the doctor.
Finally, medical establishments are required to keep your records for at least 20 years. Do not hesitate to contact them if necessary.