Creating a Personal Medical History

Doctors say people should carry with them everyday information on serious medical conditions, medicines being taken, known reactions to medicines and allergies...at least.

For starters, list your daily medications and daily supplements, for example:

Lovastatin – 40 mg. morning
Benazepril – 10-12.5 mg. morning
Aspirin – 81 mg. a day

Flovent Diskus 250- one inhalation, am
Allegra Allergy- 180 mg. (fexofenadine tablet)

Then add your occasional medications for certain other conditions.

The next step involves keeping an accurate record of your personal medical history, an important step in managing your health. This record should include test results, treatment reports, and notes written by your doctor for each doctor, hospital, or clinic you have visited.  Although each facility keeps its own record of your medical care, it is a good idea to maintain and update a personal copy, as well. It is especially important if you transfer to a new doctor or a facility or if a record is lost or destroyed.

In most cases, you can get a copy of your test results, procedures and surgeries simply by asking for them when you arrive.

Store this information in a safe place and store it in your computer. Then make a miniature copy that you can fold up and tuck into your wallet for the emergencies that DO happen, such as an ER visit after a bad fall, an auto accident…or an allergic attack.

After you have done this, you may want to add the names and phone numbers of your doctors, and your insurance information.

It’s not a big job and, once you have started it, it’s so much easier to keep it updated.

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