How to Organize Your Medical Information
Regular doctor appointments are vital to healthy aging. They allow you to develop rapport with your physician and allow your doctor to catch acute and chronic medical conditions early when they are easier to treat. Older adults should schedule a medical checkup at least once a year. As older adults age, certain medical conditions may merit more frequent exams by multiple specialty doctors.
As the frequency of doctor visits increases, it can become challenging for older adults to keep their medical information decluttered and safe. Yet, having a system that works allows seniors to communicate more effectively with each doctor they visit. It can even save their life, as one doctor might adjust a medication, and another doctor may not immediately see that change.
October is National Organize Your Medical Information Month. If your desk is beginning to overflow with medical printouts, take time to sort through it this month. Here are four tips to help you organize your medical information.
Start a Healthcare Notebook
Start organizing your medical information by creating a healthcare notebook. Purchase a notebook, label it "healthcare," and carry it to every doctor appointment. Write down the date of your doctor appointment, which doctor you saw, the reason for your appointment, and specific instructions given. Include prescription and/or over-the-counter medication regimens your doctors prescribe. Update this list at each appointment. Use the notebook to jot down questions or concerns you have for your doctor as they come up throughout your day. Also, document any symptoms you experience to help give your doctor a more accurate picture of your overall health.
Specify One Location
It's easy to lose important medical information when you set it down throughout your home. Avoid misplacing medical documents by storing them in one location. Whether it's a filing cabinet in the office or folder system on your desk, pick one spot and stick to it. When you come home from your doctor's appointment, make a habit of filing papers immediately.
Sort Through Medical Documents
Once you specify a location to store all your medical information, take time to sort through it and organize it. Create file folders for each doctor. Store printouts from your appointments in chronological order. Include a file folder for health insurance to help you keep track of payments and submitted claims. When you fill your healthcare notebook, write the dates it includes on the outside and file it with your other documents so that you can refer to it as needed.
Set Up Patient Portals Accounts
Finally, use this month to set up patient portal accounts with medical providers that offer this service. Patient portals allow patients to access lab results, message their doctor, review doctor notes from recent appointments, and schedule future appointments. Check with your health care providers to see what patient portal they use and how to set up an account. Then, record the website, username and password for each portal and store it in a safe location.
As you spend time organizing your medical information this month, perhaps it's become apparent that you need more help at home. Whether it's help getting to and from your doctor appointments or assistance with personal care, Visiting Angels Sarasota is here for you. We help arrange a self-directed model of senior care by referring thoroughly vetted, trained, and experienced caregivers who can provide one-on-one non-medical care and assistance to seniors who desire to age in place. You have direct involvement in all aspects of your care, including creating your own care plan, selecting your caregiver, and what type of care you receive. To learn more about the home care referrals we provide, please get in touch with us today by calling 941-952-5800.