So what exactly has happened to the rows upon rows of files that use to dominate the medical offices of our family physicians and specialists?  Off site storage?  Basement?  Burned?  Lost?  No one knows for sure.  But what we do know is that now your life, at least your medical life, resides in the memory banks of computer or two.  Feel safe knowing that?

With the push on around the world (Canada, US, UK, Europe …) to move our medical history from paper to microchip via EHRs (electronic health records) it is more important than ever to make sure that your doctors are not the only ones who have this important data.  Keeping a personal health record or PHR of your own medical history and particulars, and keeping this information in a safe place, will ensure that if or when a cyber-glitch occurs at your doctor’s office, as we all know they can, these important details won’t be lost forever.

Setting up a PHR for you or someone you provide care for (child, parent …)

1. Get the details from the doctors.  This can either be in electronic or paper format. You may have to fill out a form for them to release the information.  And yes, even though it is your information, they may charge you for photocopying the information or saving it to a disc for you.  And just to make it a little worse, you may have to wait a couple of months to receive your information.

2.  Review the information and then store it somewhere safe.  Keep all the information in one place. 

3. Make back up copies of any electronic files.  Using a CD or USB drive makes it easy to share your medical information with new care givers.

4. Keep the data up to date. To avoid further costs or missing information, update the data on your own with medical appointments, prescriptions, OTC drugs …  Consolidate key information – doctors (GP, allergist, ENT …) contact information, blood type, health insurance information … into a summary page for quick referencing.

5. If you have any existing medical conditions, are taking medication or have any potentially life threatening allergies (drugs, foods, latex …) keep this information on a wallet size card and carry it with you.  Or better yet, register with services like MedicalAlert and wear an information bracelet or charm.

6. Keep the information safe and secure.  Share your health record only with those you want to see it.

There are many ways to maintain your PHR:

·         Keep it in a file folder or binder.

·         Transfer the information to a computer disk or USB.

·         Online services.  There are many intranet offerings that with secure servers that you access from your computer and on which you enter your information. Some of these are free, and for others you may have to pay a fee or subscription.

Myphr.com, while not endorsing or selling any PHR tools or services, offers a searchable data base of PHR tools ad services for individuals to review.

The following is a list of details that should be included in your PHR according to myphr.com:

·         Personal identification, including name, birth date, and SSN or SIN

·         People to contact in case of emergency

·         Names, addresses, and phone numbers of your physician, dentist, and other specialists

·         Health insurance information

·         Living wills and advance directives

·         Organ donor authorization

·         A list and dates of significant illnesses and surgeries

·         Current medications and dosages

·         Immunizations and their dates

·         Allergies

·         Important events, dates, and hereditary conditions in your family history

·         A recent physical examination

·         Opinions of specialists

·         Important tests results

·         Eye and dental records

·         Correspondence between you and your provider(s)

·         Permission forms for release of information, operations, and other medical procedures

·         Any information you want to include about your health – such as your exercise regimen, any herbal medications you take and any counselling you may receive.

If your doctor keeps electronic health records, they may have a patient gateway that will allow you to view and track some of your health information online. While this is a great start to giving you access to your information, it is not your complete personal health record, and you should still be proactive collecting the health information you need.