Your Doctor Keeps Records…So Should You
Few things are more embarrassing than not knowing when, where and/or how you were treated for one ailment or another. Having a clear set or records regarding your health history makes for time efficient medical consultations and may prove life saving. Here’s a simple to follow check list of information you should gather in a handy file folder.
Remember, under the patient rights law, HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996 (HIPPA), you (or your assigns, such as those you have given power of attorney to — check with your lawyer if you have a precise question about this) have the right to copies of all paperwork and the actual slides, x rays and any other related material regarding your healthcare and treatment. The following are suggestions — add or alter to suit your own needs.
A good idea would be to create two copies of the folder you are about to create…one to keep at home and the other to carry with you on all medical appointments. Imagine the time you save by handing a copy of your medical history to any new doctor you meet…and imagine the accuracy by having prepared this document prior to what might prove to be a stressful meeting.
About you:
Full legal name
Home address (plus your last home address if less than 2 years at current location)
Home phone number
Work phone number
Employer name and address
Supervisor’s name
Supervisor’s phone number
Occupation and job title
Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) or current green card (in US)
Social Security number- place the card in a pocket in your folder
Father’s name
Father’s birthplace
Mother’s full maiden name (and whether she took your father’s surname)
Mother’s birthplace
Your marital status
Spouse/significant other’s name (maiden, if wife)
Spouse/significant other’s work phone number
If unmarried, name, address, and phone number of emergency contact person
Name, address, and phone number of your clergyperson, if appropriate
Your group number/name with insurance carrier
Your pers