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Your doctors keep a record of your health history. Any hospital or clinic you visit keeps one too. Now, it’s your turn. Keeping a personal health record (PHR) can help you manage your health care more efficiently. A PHR is especially important if you have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, that needs constant and up-to-the-minute attention.
What should your PHR contain? The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) says to start with the following: - Personal identification, including name and birth date.
- People to contact in case of emergency.
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of your physician, dentist, and specialists.
- Health insurance information.
- Living wills, advance directives, or medical power of attorney.
- Organ donor authorization.
- A list of significant illnesses and surgical procedures and their dates.
- Current medications and dosages.
- Immunizations and their dates.
- Allergies or sensitivities to drugs or materials, such as latex.
- Important events, dates, and hereditary conditions in your family history.
- Results from a recent physical examination.
- Opinions of specialists.
- Important tests results.
- Eye and dental records.
- Correspondence between you and your provider(s).
- Current educational materials (or appropriate web links) relating to your health.
- Any information you want to include about your health, such as your exercise regimen, any herbal medications you take, and any counseling you may receive.
There are many types and sources of PHR forms available. Check with your health plan, or with Genworth Wellness partner MedicAlert where you can receive a discount.
If you have food allergies, implanted devices, diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition, it’s also wise to carry basic PHR information with you at all times. Whether it’s an ID bracelet, a necklace, a wallet card, or even a permanent tattoo, a medical ID will alert those around you, and potentially emergency medical personnel, to your condition if you should fall ill. SOURCES: MedicAlert; Revolutionhealth.com; American Health Information Management Association 45197
04/08
The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
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