Create Your Own Medical Portfolio

Health care is daunting. Not only is there a lot of paperwork involved, but you have to deal with strangers much of the time. Sure, you might have a physician who you see all the time, but every doctor has a specialty and in some cases you might have to see a specialist or get medical advice from someone you do not know. The good news, is that doctors understand how stressful this experience can be and that is why they do their best to keep the most accurate records possible. But you can help to ensure that they provide you the best care—and improve your experience in the process—by creating your own medical portfolio.

Your Medical Records The first thing you are going to need in your medical portfolio are your medical records. These are the most up to date lists of your doctor visits, medications, procedures, treatments, and prescriptions you have had in your adult life. Of course, your medical records will list all the medicines you are currently taking and for which conditions you are being treated.

This helps doctors to know which drugs might have dangerous or unfavorable interactions with other drugs you might need; and it might also explain some of your symptoms.

Your Medical History It is also important to keep your medical history on hand. This is a chronicling of your life in medicine. Have you ever had surgery in the past? Did you react favorably to anesthesia? Did you have an injury or previous negative reaction to certain medications?

These are all questions that the doctor will have for you, so by keeping this information handy, you don’t have to worry about remembering everything.

Your Family’s Medical History Furthermore, you should keep a record of your family’s medical history, particularly genetic conditions like diabetes or even history of cancer. This helps doctors understand if you might be predisposed to certain conditions too, which also helps them map out the proper course of treatment.