Organizing Your Medical Records is Important - We Have Tips to Help

 

What would happen if you or a loved one had a medical emergency that required immediate attention? Could you or another family member relay the person’s medical history to hospital personnel as well as provide an up-to-date record of their medications? Remember it needs to be right as this is important information for doctors to know before the person goes into surgery or receives treatment.

The John Hopkins Medicine website reports that keeping accurate medical records may also result in better healthcare. A study found that senior cardiac patients “who kept a personal health record enjoyed better health—perhaps because they and their caregivers could better see their health picture.” For suggestions on how to efficiently organize yours or a loved one’s medical records, take a look at some of the following tips experts share.

According to geriatric medicine physician Alicia Arbaje, M.D., M.P.H., the first step is to create a doctor directory for each family member. Include all of the various doctors they see as well as contact info and the role they play in the care team.

The next step is to put together the person’s medical history and current health information categorically and chronologically. Medical history should include pertinent health info on parents, siblings and grandparents. While medical records over a year old can be filed away, the current file needs to include information on past medical treatments, surgeries, accidents and hospitalizations. In addition the file should have a record of the current year’s doctor visits and hospital discharge summaries as well as pharmacy printouts of prescribed medications. Don’t forget to list any over-the-counter medications taken.

Add to your file test results from MRIs, cancer screenings, X-rays, and other routine blood tests, etc. Keep a list of known allergies, and if the person had an adverse reaction to a drug, record the name and dosage that they were taking at the time. If they suffer from chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, keep a record of those readings as well as recurring symptoms.

Another thing to keep in the file is a copy of the person’s living will and medical power of attorney. You should also give a copy of the person’s advance directives to their primary healthcare provider.

To save work, take advantage of the doctors’ electronic patient charts to access test results, doctor notes and other pertinent medical details. Lastly remember your medical records are only as good as the information so keep it up-to-date.

MorningStar at Jordan Creek proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Des Moines – West Des Moines has to offer.

Source:

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/medical-records-getting-organized