Health library

Keep track of your medical information

Keeping records about your medical care makes sense when you have a serious illness. For example, you may want these records handy so you can share them with your doctors, seek a second opinion or review your plan of care. Keeping records may also help you manage health insurance claims.

Your doctors can give you copies of your medical records if you ask. Scroll on to learn about some of the records you may want to keep for your files.

A LIST OF ALL THE MEDICINES YOU TAKE

Note the names and doses of each medicine and which doctor prescribed it. Be sure to list any vitamins, herbs or minerals you take as well as prescriptions.

YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

Your treatment plan document outlines how your doctor recommends treating your condition. It may include info about medicines, surgeries or other therapies. You should also keep track of treatments already provided to you and the results.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR YOUR DOCTORS

Make a list of all the providers and clinics you see and their contact info. Be sure to list any doctors who treated you in the past, as well as the providers you see now.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CONDITION

Your doctor or a trusted medical organization can give you reliable information about your condition. You may need to review this information from time to time to better understand your treatments.

YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY

It's important for you and your doctor to know about any diseases, such as cancer, that run in your family. Your family health history could affect your treatment and follow-up care.

TEST RESULTS

Keep copies of lab, imaging, pathology and other test results.

Tip: File your test results by date. This will make them easy to find.

BILLS AND INSURANCE RECORDS

Medical bills, payment receipts, statements from your insurance company (Explanation of Benefits, or EOBs) and insurance claims are a few types of financial records you may want to keep for your files. Having these handy could help you with any billing or insurance issues.

Keep your records in a safe place

Some people put them in a filing cabinet. Others use a binder, a computer, a smartphone or an online health tool. The main thing is to find a secure way to keep your records that works for you.