It is important that you take an active role in obtaining and maintaining your medical records. During your next physical, ask your physician to help you complete the information on the following pages.

It is not necessary to ask your physician to give you your entire file. The key to gathering your medical records is to record only the information that is significant to the status of your health. Your physician may feel proprietary about his notes, much of which are written with abbreviations and terminology understood mainly by medical professionals. Information in your file could be misinterpreted and could cause you undue alarm.

When retiring or separating from the military, obtain your medical records before you leave. It could take several months to obtain your records from a central repository. In an emergency situation this delay could be life threatening.

Consider drafting a living will which explains what medical procedures you want taken if you become too ill to state your wishes. In conjunction with your living will, estate planning professionals recommend preparing a durable health care power of attorney (see below).

Who To Notify In Case Of Emergency

Updated as of _________________________

Name	Address	Phone

Durable Health Care Power Of Attorney

A durable health care power of attorney allows you to appoint someone else to make health care decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Each state has its own regulations and forms for durable health care powers of attorney. You may obtain the proper form from an attorney or through some state medical associations. Include the name(s) of the agent(s) you appoint.

Date Executed ______________________ Location _________________________

Name	Address	Phone	E-mail

Blood Type

This information could prove vital in case of an emergency.

Blood Type

Physicians

List your physicians' names, as well as reasons for visits and dates.

Updated as of _________________________

Physician’s Name	Reason For Visit	Treatment Received	Date

Insurance Information

Include your health insurance provider’s name and phone number for approval of hospitalization, emergency room care and surgical procedures.

Updated as of _________________________

Name Of Provider	Insurance/Group Number	Phone

List the hospital or emergency room closest to your home which accepts your health plan.

Updated as of _________________________

Hospital Or Emergency Room	Phone

Medical And Mental Health

List current and significant past medical illnesses such as angina, heart disease and high blood pressure; and mental health illnesses such as depression and panic disorders.

Updated as of _________________________

Medical And Mental Health Illnesses

Surgical Procedures

Note operations such as gallbladder and bypass surgery. Include dates and other details such as medical anesthesia, location of hospital and any side effects.

Updated as of _________________________

Surgical Procedure	Details	Date

Next: Personal Medical Records (Continued)

Updated Thursday, October 18, 2007