Family Medical Records

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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Family Medical Records Introduction
• Why People Should Carry Their Own Medical Records
• Can't My Records Be Obtained From My Doctor?
• What Are Potential Barriers for Patients Providing Adequate Medical Information for a Doctor?
• Things Doctors Want to Know When They Evaluate a Patient
• Important Information to Have in Your Personal File
• How to Access Medical Information
• Sample History: Important Information to Carry at All Times on a Single Page
• Home Medical Records
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

The personal medical history, as recorded in the medical record, can play a central role in evaluating patients in a variety of medical settings, particularly in emergencies. When doctors evaluate patients for any medical issue or complaint, easy access to the medical history of the patient helps the doctor provide more efficient, accurate, and appropriate care and to minimize unnecessary and costly tests.

Having personal medical information readily available can be particularly important in the following situations:

• During a visit to the emergency room
• Going to urgent-care centers
• Being evaluated before a surgery
• Visiting a new doctor or a specialist

Having current personal medical records can be even more important for people who themselves are unable to provide their medical history adequately, such as children and the elderly.

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