In an earlier post, I referenced an article in the Dallas Morning News about medical records. Parts of that article are worth repeating. Here is a list of information the newspaper recommends people carry with them in case of an emergency:
- Blood type
- Up-to-date list of medications and dosages, herbal compounds and dietary supplements
- Allergies and adverse reactions to medications or substances
- Diseases, diagnoses and chronic conditions
- Immunization record
- Emergency contacts, insurance information and personal physician
- Advance directives, such as a living will and an organ donor card
Want to create a Personal Health Record? Download the free “Health-At-A-Glance” form at www.mercksource.com for a list of basic information to compile. Carry a copy with you or e-mail it to an account you can access anywhere.
For online subscription sites, where you pay to keep long-term medical records and store documents and images, check out www.followme.com, www.recordsforliving.com, www.webmd.com, www.callus1st.net or www.personalmd.com.
To buy a memory chip that’s programmed to help you compile a PHR, try www.medinfochip.com or www.capmed.com. To learn more about chips that can be implanted in your skin, go to www.verichipcorp.com.