If you decide to put together a PHR (personal health record), find a method that allows you to include the information listed below.
Don't forget to anticipate future needs. For example, if you've never needed an MRI, or if you know that in a few years you'll need the shingles vaccine, then you'll want to be sure your PHR program of choice can accommodate for them when you are ready.
Regardless of whether you use a regular word processing program, a software program purchased for PHR purposes, or an online personal health record keeping system, there are the kinds of information you will want to include:
Your Blood Type
Allergies, Including Drug Allergies
Current Medications Including Supplements
List every drug or supplement you take on a regular basis. Include dosage. Also include other substances like caffeine or cigarettes.Past Medications List
This list includes drugs and supplements you may no longer take, but which might have contributed to your current health status. For example, a woman who took hormone replacement therapy for many years, but no longer takes it, would list the brand she took, and the dosage.Immunizations, Vaccinations, Additional Shots Records
This list encompasses everything from childhood vaccinations to annual flu shots. Include as many dates as you can.Illnesses, Conditions and Treatment Descriptions
Any current medical problems you experience, plus any past experiences that could impact your current medical condition should be listed, along with their dates of occurrence. For example, if you have previously suffered from pneumonia, even though you no longer suffer from it, you would want to list it.
If you can, include any diagnoses and treatments that did not work. This information could help make future treatment decisions.
Hospitalizations
Record any previous hospitalizations, dates, the length of time you were admitted, and the reason for admission. Include your reason for admission and how you recovered afterwards.Surgeries
Both in-patient and out-patient surgeries should be included here and the dates they occurred. The reasons for the surgeries, the results, and any follow up treatment that was necessary.Additional Medical Tests
Unless you have already included these in the information above, you'll want to list tests, dates and results.Additional Information
Any additional information you believe belongs in your record. This might include scans of records, digital copies of X-rays, MRIs or CT scans. It could also include any complementary or alternative treatments or therapies you participate in on a regular basis.What Not to Include
It seems obvious to include information like your home address, phone number, employer contact and other pieces of information about you, right?
It's not a good idea. As mentioned above, information that identifies you too closely can lead to identity theft, even medical identity theft.
If you use your PHR to provide information during a doctor visit, then you'll be able to verbally provide that personal information anyway.
If your information is accessed in an emergency, then your personal contacts will have your information and can provide it when necessary. If you aren't sure whether your personal contacts have your exact address or your employer information, provide it to them, just in case it's ever needed.
