Medical Record Keeping
Managing personal health records
Your personal health information is a valuable
resource to you, your family, and the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals
who provide your health care. But did you know that, in most cases, a complete
record of all of your personal health information cannot be found in any
single location or consistent format? Each one of your healthcare providers
(primary care doctor, allergist, rheumatologist,OB-GYN, etc.) compiles a
separate medical record on you. These multiple medical records can lead to
an incomplete story about your health. Did you also know that you have a right
to have a copy of any medical test results and films, particularly any X-rays,
CT scans, Bone Scans and MRI tests. Its also important to note that as you
see additional specialists, they will request that you bring copies of your
films and records. Keeping your own personal health records allows you to
provide doctors and caregivers with valuable information that can help improve
the quality of care you receive. By using the downloadable medical forms
on saveyourjoints.org it can keep an up-to-date file at home. Make sure your
family and caregivers know where these forms are kept. Your files can help
reduce or eliminate duplicate tests which will allow you to receive faster,
safer treatment and care in an emergency. In short, keeping your own records
and updating them every 6-12 months helps you play a more active role in
your healthcare.
Keeping your own personal health records allows you to provide doctors and
caregivers with valuable information that can help improve the quality of
care you receive. By using the downloadable medical forms on saveyourjoints.org
it can keep an up-to-date file at home. Make sure your family and caregivers
know where these forms are kept. Your files can help reduce or eliminate
duplicate tests which will allow you to receive faster, safer treatment and
care in an emergency. In short, keeping your own records and updating them
every 6-12 months helps you play a more active role in your healthcare.
Use these downloadable forms:
General Medical Release Form
