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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 Personal
Medical Records forms.
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 which 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.
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Basic Money Management
Basic Money Management
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