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Organizing and storing

family medical

information

Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Reader Organizing Tip is available. For years I tried to keep all my medical information in files in my file cabinet. After awhile, my files were a mess, and I also worried about losing some of the papers. I went out and bought a 2-inch, 3-ring binder for every family member. Each person has his or her own color...mine is red, my husband's is black, my son's is green, etc. When a binder is full, we get another 2-inch binder in the same color. Initially I went and got copies of all my medical files from my doctor for about $15 (covers printing costs), and now whenever I go to the doctor, I always ask for a copy of the medical report. (If you ask for them on each visit, then they don't charge you. They only charge you when there's a huge number of files to be copied). I now have a complete medical history for everyone, including copies of a list of prescriptions, surgeries,  vaccinations-- everything in a neat binder. I brought one to my doctor recently to fill out some forms and she was so impressed because it read like a book, and had everything in order by date. It looked like the story of my whole medical life from beginning to end. Recently I have had to care for my elderly mother, taking her to several doctors, and this binder (along with a page listing all the doctors names, phone #, fax, email and addresses and a calender showing appointment dates has been a lifesaver). This is also a great thing to give my son as he heads off to college. Plus, for a few pennies at Staples, I made a second copy at home for a backup. I love your newsletter and I am a constant work in progress. Thanks for all you do to get me motivated and organized. Lisa Leger I am a retired housewife, looking after my disabled husband, my son, and my elderly mother. Back to Reader Organizing Tips Index