Home Featured Discussion Medical Records You don't say?

In this discussion: 9/29/00 It's Friday's Feature Links 9/28/00 Yet another form, Basic Medical History & A Generic Living Will 9/27/00 More forms, sick of them yet? Physician List &  Surgery History 9/26/00 Let's get started! Here are some forms to get you on your way to keeping accurate medical records. General Information  &  Medication Information 9/25/00 Medical Records-They are yours! & You don't say?

You don't say?

Medical Records....do you keep track of them? Or do you leave it up to the doctors? Here's what you had to say on the subject:

"I think it is very important to keep medical records, because the doctor's office could lose the only copy there is, but if you have a copy & you know where that copy is you are in good shape." -Tracie

"It is always good to keep records for yourself, so if required to go to hospital
in an emergency the staff on hand will know what you have and how to treat and what medications will contraindicate against what you are taking" -Amanda

"I have kept detailed records of all surgeries, appointments, dates of new prescriptions - just in case my husband ever needs them and I'm not physically able to provide the info to him." -Theresa

"Ask to be included in the mail out of your results" -Amanda

"I have an incomplete file. Many doctors are hesitant to give me too much 'official' information." -Theresa

"I ask for hospital copies of my history each time I go to hospital" -Amanda

"On my refrigerator I have the phone numbers of my doctors - in case my husband or son ever needs them in an emergency. It's come in handy a few
times." -Theresa

"I also have a medic alert bracelet that I wear at all times with a number on it
and the medical database center always has an up to date copy of all medication" -Amanda

"I have a Living Will at the hospital, but none of my physicians have ever offered that as an option to me. Hmmmm..." -Theresa

"I have a list of my diagnoses, a list of my medications, and a list of my allergies on my computer and in my purse at all times. My husband carries a list of my medications and allergies in his wallet. I also made copies for my son and daughter." -Diane2

"I don't have a medical history but have billings from hosp/surgeries, does that count? lol" -Blondie

"Please remember to list dosage and times you take it along with the medication. I keep a couple 3 x 5 index cards in my purse. Whenever I am given a new Rx I ask the pharmacist 1.When is the best time to take this? 2. Are there any side effects I should be aware of? and 3. What type of drug is it? I write this on the 3 x 5 card so when I get home I can read it and understand my medication." -Diane2

It seems the majority of those responding do keep some parts of the medical records at home, but certainly not even close to what you should have. I was surprised to see that most of you do not have a Living Will signed and on file with your healthcare providers. I am not sure if that is because you do not want one or that you haven't had it offered to you.

This week we are going to talk about what kind of records you should have at home and supply you with some easy forms to help keep track of your information.

Check back everyday, there will always be something new!

Tina Underwood
Page last updated on September 24, 2000