#PATIENT NOTEBOOK PORTABLE#
#PATIENT NOTEBOOK SERIES#

Having these results handy may prevent duplicate tests from being ordered, and also gives doctors better information at the time of a visit.Radiology results. These include results from tests such as xrays, CAT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound tests.Even better is to have copies of the last three reports, or copies of results from the past 1-2 years. At a mimimum, try to have a copy of the most recent results.For more on the most common blood tests ordered for older adults, see Understanding Laboratory Tests: 10 Commonly Used Blood Tests for Older Adults. Bloodwork results are especially useful, since they often include information related to blood count, kidney function, and blood electrolytes.If you want to minimize your time collecting health information and want to know what’s most important and useful, this is it! Laboratory results. This means results of blood tests and urine tests.Here is the kind of information that is most helpful to bring: In my own clinical work, I see lots of older patients who’ve been seen by other doctors. The most useful types of medical information to keep copies of When patients and caregivers have copies of the key medical information, it’s easier to double-check things and ask the doctor if you have any questions, or don’t understand an abnormality in the results.Although most medical care is good, sometimes things do fall through the cracks or get missed.

When patients and caregivers develop a better understanding of their health conditions, they can then participate more actively in monitoring and managing their healthcare.By keeping copies of results, those patients and caregivers who decide to learn more about health conditions - such as by learning from the Mayo Clinic’s site, or joining a patient community) are better able to understand the specifics of their conditions.(For example, diabetes control is often measured via testing the hemoglobin A1C level in the blood.) Learn to better understand a medical condition. For many medical conditions, especially chronic ones, the status and progress of the condition often correlates to the results of bloodwork or other tests.When caregivers are able to bring key information along with them, a first visit can be much more helpful. Doctors can usually get medical information from other doctors, but it often takes time. Change doctors or get a second opinion. Sometimes it’s necessary, or desirable, to see a new doctor.This is especially helpful in case of an unexpected trip to the emergency room or to urgent care. Make sure a doctor has the latest important information, right at the time of a medical visit.When caregivers keep copies of medical results and key information, it’s easier to: Why caregivers should keep copies of medical results & key health information I’ll then explain which kinds of medical information is most useful to keep, and I’ll describe a few ways that caregivers can do this.

In this post, I’ll explain why it’s important to keep copies of medical results and key medical records. Organizer to keep copies of medical results and medical records.

#PATIENT NOTEBOOK PORTABLE#

Portable and up-to-date medication list (see this post for details).

Journal/notebook, for notes and symptom tracking (see this post for details).

#PATIENT NOTEBOOK SERIES#

This post is part 3 of a series describing the four key types of tools that I recommended to caregivers at a retreat earlier this summer:

Patient notebook