How to Make Your Own Personal Health Record

Preparing and maintaining your own personal health record, or PHR, is advisable regardless of your health. In an emergency, it could be a lifesaver. Your personal health record contains information specific to you and your health history.

Knowing and understanding your personal health history is important. Having access to it remotely in an emergency, especially if you are unable to speak for yourself, is vital.

Instructions

Collecting Information and Making Your Record

• 1

  Every time you visit your physician, dentist, chiropractor or other health professional, a legal document is completed, recording the facts of the visit. You have a legal right to a copy of this documentation, but you must request it and provide a written Authorization for the Release of Information form. You will be charged for the copies.

  These hard copies can be kept in a file folder or scanned and kept as an electronic medical record on your computer, external data sources, or uploaded to a public storage file. Files should be portable and should require passwords for your protection. A trusted family member or someone else you designate should know where and how to access the files in case you are incapacitated.

• 2

  Many sources are available online to help you make your PHR, or you can do it yourself. Make your own PHR using a word processor. Save it in a standard file format such as a .doc or .pdf file. Begin with basic demographic data such as your name, address, phone number(s) and email address. Include your date of birth and health insurance information.

  Make a list of all of your health care providers such as your primary care physician, eye doctor, dentist, chiropractor, and pharmacy. Include addresses, phone and fax numbers for each.

• 3

  Under appropriate subheadings, list all current diagnoses and approximate onset date. List allergies to foods, medications and other sources, such as animals. List all current medications by name and dose. Also include the prescription numbers and pharmacy information. List over-the-counter products you commonly take for complaints such as headaches, aches and pains, colds, hay fever or stomach issues. Make sure to list prescription or identifying information for things such as glasses or contacts, hearing aids and orthotics, and include the provider's information.

• 4

  In chronological order, list all childhood illnesses you had. Then list all vaccines you have received and the approximate dates, including the latest tetanus shot. List any other major illnesses, injuries or surgeries. Include the dates, types of treatment and outcomes. A family history of major illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, would be helpful as well.

• 5

  Update your personal record at least yearly. Request copies of your records as you see medical providers, and add them to your personal health record. Give your primary physician a copy of your files.