Personal Medical Records(Life Ledger)
Health Care Report

Plan Ahead

1 Create a Health File with copies (not originals) of the following documents and keep up to date! (In fact, make 2 or 3 so it is handy) Make sure your Health Care Surrogate also has a copy of this Health File.

2 If you do not have a record of your health history and treatment you will need to contact your current and past physicians to create an accurate Health File. Request copies of your medical records and results of diagnostic tests. You may need to complete a release of medical information form.

3 Take your Health File with you if you need to go to the emergency room, to the doctor, or need to be admitted to the hospital.

4 When you visit an Emergency Room do not sign a new Health Care Surrogate or Living Will Document, give them a copy of the documents you have already signed.

5 If you do not feel well (most people don't when they are in the ER), have them copy the information out of your Health File. You do not need to fill out their specific forms, they can do it!

6 If your doctor is recommending that you be admitted to the hospital ask the doctor to have you directly admitted to your room. The admission documents can then be completed at your bedside and you can supply them with your Health File. (This will avoid the long and often uncomfortable waiting time in the Admissions office. Remember, you are the customer and you have chosen them to purchase your health care from and it is with your consent that your insurance will pay them).

7 When you visit any Doctor, update your Health File with any changes in medication, treatment plan or diagnosis. Prepare a list of questions for the doctor prior to your visit so you do not forget to ask everything you have been thinking about. Make sure you know which hospitals your Doctor has privileges at.

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