Charting your family's health history

When you think about a medical record, you probably envision the thick file a doctor keeps. But there no reason why you shouldn't create and maintain your own medical information file--not just for yourself but also for your family members.

Compiling as much medical information as you can about you and your family members can help you recognize future health risks. Being aware of genetic links and patterns can also inspire all of you to develop healthier habits and lifestyles.

Help protect your family's future

Since you probably visit more than one doctor, organizing a family health record lets you:

  • monitor healthcare across all providers
  • record important health information
  • better explain health problems to new doctors
  • file health insurance claims more easily
  • get the most out of doctors' visits
  • spot problems earlier, such as duplicate tests or prescription drug combinations that could cause adverse interactions

Get started

The national Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives you the right to copy your medical records. Contact all your doctors' offices and hospitals to learn how to obtain these records. Keep in mind that it takes years to accumulate a health record, so allow enough time for office personnel to retrieve and make copies of files.

Tracking down your and your loved ones' medical information may require time-consuming telephone calls and paperwork. (See "Checklist for Creating Your Family Medical Record"). But you'll be thankful you did it in the long run.

Use technology

If you have access to a computer, you can create a family health record quickly and easily by doing an online search for ealth records software.You'll find a variety of computer programs that can help you organize and store your information.

Checklist for creating your family's medical record

Organize this information for a complete, up-to-date family medical record that will help you take a more active role in your family's healthcare.

For each family member, write down:

  • major illnesses
  • chronic conditions 
  • hospital stays
  • procedures
  • current prescription drugs
  • doctors' contact information
  • surgeries
  • past and present health insurance identification numbers

Get copies of each family member's:

  • most recent physical exam results
  • medication records
  • allergies lists
  • immunization records
  • lab test results
  • radiology reports and films (when possible)
  • surgical and pathology reports
  • consultation reports
  • dental records
  • insurance plan benefits
  • advance directive or durable power of attorney documents