Keeping Track Of Medical Information

It is a good idea to keep track of all of your or family member's medical information, including medications, allergies, appointments, etc. This is a guide about keeping track of medical information.

Solutions: Keeping Track Of Medical Information

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Use Dog Tag for Medical Information

Using a dog tag for medical information.

I purchased a dog tag from PetSmart and on one side I have my name and phone number, on the other side I list O-POS / DIABETIC. It's attached to my key chain just in case of an emergency and can easily be seen.

By CaroleeRose from Madison, AL

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Link: Free Medical Information Card

If you don't carry Emergency Medical information on your person, you NEED to. Here is a site that offers 100% free Emergency Medical information that you can fill-in online and print out. Other ingenious items are available to suit your lifestyle, but all provide you with Emergency Medical information in the event that it's needed. I have the 'Free-ID' card printed out and keep one in my Biking bag and wallet.

http://medids.com

By cajun62234

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Keeping Track of Medical Information

We brought my mother to our home to live during the last few years of her life. She had a multitude of medications and medical information. Also there were trips to the doctor's and various specialist's offices and the emergency room, so that much of the information, especially prescriptions, changed often.

Finally I opened a computer file and recorded all the pertinent information. Then after each change it was easy to go in and add or deduct information to keep the list current. I would usually fit 2 to 4 copies of the list in medium or smallish print on each sheet of paper and print out two or three sheets.

I would cut the lists apart and store a couple in the glove compartment of my car, a couple in my wallet, and several on a magnetic clip on the front of my refrigerator, throwing out the older versions that were there. It was so much easier just to hand an updated list to the nurse, doctor or paramedic, than to take the time trying to gather together prescription bottles and remember pertinent information in the middle of a crises. ALL the professionals loved it so much that I now do the same with each member of the family.

The lists look something like this:

Jane Doe
DOB: 1/12/1234 Age: 56

Insurance: Medical Ins Providers
# 123456789

PCP: Dr. James Brown
Our Town Medical Center
(123) 456-7890
Cardiologist: Dr. John Sweetheart
(University Hospital)
800-123-4567
Pulmonologist: Dr. Breath
Office: (123) 123-4444

Allergies: Penicillin, aspirin,

History: Heart attack, Broken leg, TB

Operations: Tonsillectomy Adenoidectomy, Hip Replacement

Current Medications:
List including dosages and
where pertinent, times.
Ex.: Lipitor 20mg (1/day)

By Jeanne from South Daytona, FL

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Verify That Medical Records are Transferred

Many years ago, I was diagnosed with a medical condition that was not life threatening, but did cause various problems. I had went to specialists for well over a year without much help. At the time, there wasn't much treatment for this medical condition. Over the years, I dealt with this problem.

Recently I read about my problem and now there are new treatments that may help me. In the past twenty years, my husband's employer would change medical plans which meant, at times, we had to change doctors. I always would have our medical records transferred. To my surprise, when I mentioned this condition to my current family doctor, she said I didn't have any medical records about this condition there. I never mentioned any of this to her before since it wasn't serious.

I know I would have to have more current tests done if I wanted to try the new treatments. But it did bother me that these records were not forwarded as I thought they should be. Other than pregnancies and this medical condition, I didn't have any other medical issues. I contacted the specialists' office and since it was over ten years ago, the records had been destroyed.

I should have checked with each of the doctors to be sure all the records were there. I took for granted that all the records would automatically be transferred.

Hopefully I will never have to change doctors again, but if I do, I will make sure all my medical records are forwarded properly.

By mkymlp from NE PA

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Organizing Medical Records at Home

For every physician you see and for every place where you have a medical test performed (ex. if you have an ultrasound in a hospital), create a file folder with the following information: Full name and address of physician, telephone and fax numbers, date of service, and be sure to add all subsequent dates of services; make notes summarizing your visit with the doctor (exam, recommendations, etc), ask for and receive copies of your registration forms, HIPAA forms, privacy act forms, copies of lab work done in the office, copies of physician medical record notes, etc.

Then when the physician's office files the insurance claim(s) and the you (the patient) begin to receive Explanation of Benefits paperwork from the Insurance carrier, you have a file folder to store those documents into.

Be sure to accurately record on the outside of the folder, the dates you visit that physician and compare those with insurance claims filed. Having a file cabinet with a drawer or section dedicated to medical files is important for good medical history and filing. I have done this through the years and can attest to the fact that the 'system' works extremely well.

By Colgrey

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Questions

Here are questions related to Keeping Track Of Medical Information.

Chart for Tracking Medication

Does anyone know where I can find a good medication chart? My husband just had Triple Bypass Surgery and I really need to keep up with his medications, like what he takes and like 2 or 3 times a day. Some kind of check list to go by. I don't know how to use the programs on the computer. Also what kinds of foods I can give him. Thank you all so much for all the help you have already given.

wvqdz from WV

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