Reviewed 5/8/2024
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.
Sources
- American Cancer Society. "Keeping Copies of Important Medical Records." https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/long-term-health-concerns/keeping-copies-of-important-medical-records.html.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. "Collecting Your Family's Cancer History." https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/cancer-basics/genetics/collecting-your-family%E2%80%99s-cancer-history.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. "Organizing Your Medical Bills and Health Insurance Claims." https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/managing-your-care/organizing-your-medical-bills-and-health-insurance-claims.
- American Society of Clinical Oncology. "3 Steps to Building a Personal Medical Record." https://www.cancer.net/blog/2016-08/3-steps-building-personal-medical-record.
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. "Organizing Medical Records." https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/organizing-medical-records.
- National Cancer Institute. "Managing Cancer Costs and Medical Information." https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/track-care-costs.