Keeping track of family medical records and medical history forms is easy to do with free, electronic and printable forms that will organize even the busiest of families. Purchase a file folder for each family member, label it with their name and store a copy of each of the forms below. No more guessing or searching for an answer when the physician asks for some pertinent details about the patient.
Organize Family Medical History
A family medical history provides clues and understanding into the problems and conditions you or a family member may be experiencing, are at risk for, or may develop. The Mayo Clinic states that "a family medical history can help your doctor interpret the history of disease in your family and identify patterns that may be relevant to your own health." Read their comprehensive article that goes into depth about the type of information you should collect, then complete a family medical history form that will be invaluable for any family member during a doctor's appointment.
Manage Appointments and Check-up Information
Whether you're managing the health care records for yourself or for a family that includes a spouse, children, or aging parents, there's much to keep track of in terms new-problem appointments, follow-ups, or well checks. The following forms will trigger information that you want to impart to the doctor or his staff:
- Appointment for a new problem. Arrive prepared with comments, questions and symptoms carefully noted. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the physician to communicate about your condition.
- First appointment. Ideal when meeting a doctor for the first time. If you're required to fill out forms for the new office, you'll have all the information at your fingertips.
- Follow-up appointment. Take the time to record reactions, new symptoms, and results of treatments.
- Regular checkup for a child. It's always important to include recent changes in behavior, family circumstances in addition to general health information.
- Regular checkup for a lifelong condition. Some health problems require frequent or routine follow-up appointments. Be diligent about recording any changes, medications, or symptoms that may affect treatment.
Track Medications, Supplements and Over-the-Counter Remedies
Whether your or a family member is prescribed medication, takes over-the-counter remedies or any type of supplement, record the information as part of your managed health care.
- Daily medicine schedule. Never forget whether you took or gave a medication, or when it should be taken. Print out this timely guide and post it nearby to where your medications are stored.
- Master list of medicines. If you're taking more than one medicine, this informative chart will help you track medicines, doctors, dosage, side effects and more. Keep this nearby and up to date.
- New medicine information. Each time a new medicine is prescribed, complete this form and keep it in the folder. Don't forget to add the new medicine to the master list.
Notate Surgeries and Procedures
When tests, treatments, procedures or surgeries are recommended, complete the appropriate form and file it away as a reference for future decision making.
- Medical test information. Track and organize information about X-rays, blood work, or any other test your physician recommends.
- Special treatment information. Need physical therapy or another special treatment? Manage your care, questions and results with this chart.
- Surgery information. If you've been told you need surgery, pull this form out in the doctor's office and start asking questions to help you make an informed decision about your condition.
About Downloading the Printable Forms
All forms, diaries, records and plans discussed are in a portable document format (PDF) and may be viewed, completed and printed free of charge. Adobe Reader from Adobe Systems, Inc., provides free software and runs on Windows, Macintosh and UNIX systems. Access a free copy of the software and get started printing and saving your medical records. Don't forget to make multiple copies and store all these forms in a safe place. They cannot be saved electronically.
More Free, Health Care Forms to Download
- Diabetes Health Forms, Checklists, Diaries and Plans. Make managing a life with diabetes easier. Be ready for doctor's visits with vital information that you've collected.
- How to Manage Cancer Care. Organize appointments, treatments, medications, labs, and tests. Information helps in making decisions.
Sources:
WebMD.com, "Online Forms", (accessed May 27, 2009)
Mayoclinic.com, "Medical History: Compiling Your Medical Family Tree", (accessed October 31, 2009)'
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Kathleen Armentano - A freelance writer and website publisher, Kathleen has spent over 20 years researching and writing for B2B corporate America and graphic ...
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