Medical Records At the Ready

Using a 3-ring binder, you can keep your medical records up-to-date and easily accessible. Here are sections that will be useful:

1. Doctors and Clinics:

• Name and specialty
• Address
• Phone Number
• Fax Number

2. Summary of Doctor Visits (very brief)

• Date
• Name and specialty
• Nature of visit

3. Notes about Doctor Visits (more detailed)

• Purpose of visit, recommendations, etc.
• May include a log of phone calls made, the date, who you spoke with and what was decided

4. Copies of test results

• Keep in chronological order

5. Regularly taken medications (up-to-date)

• Date you begin taking it
• Name and dosage
• Reason for taking
• Side effects/Problems experienced

6. Billing and Insurance Papers

• Match insurance notifications with corresponding bills
• Keep a log of calls made including the date, name of person you spoke with and information received.

7. Family History

• Continually update with significant family illnesses or medical problems

8. Immunization Records

Keeping a binder for each family member makes it easy to file and locate the information you need. Place empty page protectors in the binder so you can easily file papers you receive. Update the binders as information changes.

You will have all the information at the ready if a medical emergency arises. Let family members know where the binder is kept. No need to rely on your memory or the memory of your loved ones!

If you are looking for a great gift idea, help someone you love create a binder that will provide peace of mind!