How to Organize Medical Information from an Expert
Organization and Action Steps to Organize Your Medical Information
Setting up a medical binder is crucial. This is especially important for routine medical appointments, when searching for a diagnosis, new provider, or if you require hospitalization. Remember to review the information in your medical binder monthly to make sure it stays up to date. Look to The Uncluttered Life’s Declutter Deck® for tips and tricks about home organization.
Organization
If you have a lawyer draw up your will, Medical Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, and HIPAA forms. Include these in your medical binder.
Create a list of doctors with their specialties and phone numbers. Also include their fax numbers, if possible, since some providers only accept information by fax.
Make a list of your regular medications and supplements. Include doses, pharmacy, and pharmacy telephone numbers.
Action Steps
On the first page of your binder, include personal information. This includes full legal name, date of birth, date the binder was last updated and the name and telephone number of your emergency contact.
Include copies of documents including your insurance card, Medicare card, supplemental insurance card, pharmacy card, driver license, Medical Power of Attorney, Advance Directive/Living Will, and HIPAA form.
Document all allergies.
Document all immunizations.
Create a list of prescriptions and supplements that you take. Note the prescribers, dosage, and what time of day you take them.
Include your personal medical history and that of your parents and grandparents, if available. Also include the medical history of your children.
In addition, put your binder information in a private Google document to share with family members who do not live with you.