
Your Personal Health Record
A personal health record is a documentation of your medical
history and care. Although health care providers routinely keep
such medical records, there are advantages to creating your own—for
yourself and other family members.
For example, having copies of important test and screening results
can save you money and time if you change physicians, plus you can easily
share records across providers and health care systems.
You can compile your medical record on
paper or your computer, or via Internet-based
services on which you can store and retrieve
your health information.
To start the recording process, request
copies of your medical records from all
your health care providers.

| Your Personal Health Record Should Include: |
| Personal identification, including name and birth date |
| Family members to contact in case of emergency |
| Names, addresses, and phone numbers of your personal care physician and any specialists |
| Health insurance information |
| A list of current medications and dosages, as well as details regarding any supplements or herbal remedies you take |
| Immunization dates |
| Allergies or sensitivities to drugs or materials, such as latex |
| Important events, dates, and hereditary conditions in your family history |
| Dates of significant illnesses and surgical procedures |
| Important test results |
| Family history listing the health status of immediate family members and the causes of death for deceased members |
| Living wills, advance directive, or medical power of attorney |
| Organ donor authorization |
| Bring your record to all doctor visits so you can remember to update it. |
For more information, visit My PHR at www.myphr.com.
© StayWell Custom Communications. Information is the opinion of the sourced authors and organizations. Personal decisions regarding health, diet, and exercise should be made only after consultation with the reader's own medical advisers. This material may not be reproduced for redistribution without written permission from StayWell Custom Communications.