How to Access Medical Information

How should I carry all of this information?

It would seem impossible to carry all of this information with you at all times — even impractical. Fortunately, there are a number of reasonable alternatives to carrying a photocopied medical chart.

• Summary: The simplest solution is a 1-page summary of your medical history. This single piece of paper could be carried in a purse or wallet and should be kept with you at all times. The information should be complete but should be written as brief lists rather than as sentences or paragraphs. Attached to this list should be photocopies of an ECG or other special tests, if applicable. Again, your family doctor may be able to help you determine what is important for you.
• Electronic records: The Internet provides another option for people to keep their family medical records. Many companies have developed Web sites designed for recording medical information that can be reached from any computer with Internet access. Some of these companies even have options for printing a summary of the information that you can carry with you. Also, some of the sites are designed to allow doctors access to the information in emergencies. The information is password protected, and some of the sites do not charge for their services.
  • WebMD
   
  • Family Health Information Manager

  (Please note: This list is for reference purposes only. The authors have not evaluated or endorsed any of these sites and have no financial relationship to any of them.)

• Wireless access: The increasing popularity of handheld personal digital devices and other handheld computers allows you the option of electronically maintaining your medical records. A number of companies and individuals have developed software for these personal data assistants that is specifically designed to hold medical information. These programs can be obtained from the Internet. Although some are free, many require a registration fee to obtain the complete program. Software titles include Medical Records v10.2, Medical Records v2.0, Personal Medical Records v2.14, Family Medical Records v3.0, and 4T Medical v1.3. (Please note: This list is for reference purposes only. The authors have not evaluated or endorsed any of these products and have no financial relationship to any of them.)