What Is Personal Health Records?

You've probably seen your chart at your doctor's office. In fact, you may have charts at several doctors' offices. If you've been in the hospital, you have a chart there, too. These charts are your medical records. They may be on paper or electronic. To keep track of all this information, it's a good idea to keep your own personal health record.

What kind of information would you put in a personal health record? You could start with:

• Your name, birth date, blood type, and emergency contact information
• Date of last physical
• Dates and results of tests and screenings
• Major illnesses and surgeries, with dates
• A list of your medicines and supplements, the dosages, and how long you've taken them
• Any allergies
• Any chronic diseases
• Any history of illnesses in your family