Consider Yourself—FILED!
As a physical therapist, I have been compiling medical charts for 30+ years now. Everything I need to know about my patients—the tests they’ve undergone, the treatment they’ve received, their dates of care—have all been gathered in an organized way, so that I can retrieve vital information easily.
Long ago, I reasoned, this would be a useful practice to follow in my own life, as well as for each of my immediate family members. Once I realized the benefits of personal health records at my fingertips, I began instructing all of my patients and friends to consider doing the same. Today, I am suggesting that you, my reader-friends, pick up the practice as well.
How to get started:
First, collect any reports you may have at home scattered about (names of prescription medication/dosages, blood work results, X-ray, CT or PET scan, MRI, colonoscopy, and/or mammogram reports, contact lens or eyeglass prescriptions, surgery dates/reports, etc.
Next, call your doctors’ offices and ask them to send you copies of whatever tests you recall having done over the years, but do not have a record of.
Going forward, always ask for a copy of your blood tests, surgical reports, etc. to add to your personal health file.
Compiling a useful chart:
Place two index cards on the inside left cover. On one write the names of all your medical/dental providers and their phone numbers. In PENCIL, document the date of your last visit with each. (This way you can know when it is time to schedule your next checkup.) When you are seen again, erase and update this section. Use the second card to record medications you take, dosages, and the dates they were taken, noting any allergies or reactions to prior medications.
Gather all medical papers and arrange them chronologically. If you want to be extremely organized (or if you have a large number of medical issues), you can use a multi-sectioned file folder and earmark each section for a specific health practitioner.
This chart will work when your mind fails:
The next time you begin treatment with a new doctor, therapist, dentist, etc., you can bring your chart along as a thorough reference source. You and your practitioner will be thankful for the clarity!