For many of us, especially snowbirds and those without a regular family doctor, the retention of personal health information, medications, laboratory results, imaging details and immunizations is extremely important, yet many do not have such detailed information readily available. In past years, having the same family doctor and taking limited trips away from home, immediate access to such information was rarely a necessity. As we age, in particular, we often have a list of past and present conditions and medications that could be of great importance to a new doctor whom we may need to see. A doctor whom we may encounter while travelling or even in our own community – such as at a walk-in clinic or emergency room – will usually have no access to your medical information. Health Acquiring Personal Health Records Surveys show that many people arriving in emergency rooms are unclear about their medical conditions and the names and dosages of medications which they take. This can compromise their diagnosis and care. Carrying a wallet card listing past and present conditions and exact medications and dosages is important. I remember that, at one CSA show, a woman suddenly collapsed and, being unconscious and alone, it was unknown what caused the collapse. Opening her purse, I saw a sheet with her records indicating that she was a Type I diabetic and was probably suffering from insulin shock. We were able to revive her by the time the ambulance arrived. Unnecessary or repetitive investigations may ensue when details of a person’s health are unavailable or forgotten. There are companies which will retain your information and are then able to immediately transmit that data through the internet to any provider that you authorize. An example is ca.emergencyid.com, where you document the information including laboratory and imaging results. You or a family member then give the pass code to the provider when care is needed. If you choose to keep a hard copy of your health information, always include any important document such as a recent ECG if you’ve had heart problems, or an important laboratory report or imaging result. Medical alert bracelets are often worn for immediate notification about conditions such as diabetes and drug allergies. Although the technology for sharing medical information among hospitals, doctors, laboratories and imaging facilities has been available for more than 30 years, universal adoption is sorely lacking. Acquiring results yourself is now possible through online sites which allow the patient to read and save lab test results and imaging reports. Each province may have different companies that provide such services. In Ontario, Lifelabs and Dynacare are two laboratories which provide this service in many areas. Imaging results such as X-ray, CT and MRI scans can now be downloaded in many Ontario sites from both hospital and community facilities through PocketHealth. Getting copies of personal health records is only necessary if one’s past medical conditions are numerous or complex. Copies of scans, lab results, past immunizations, current medications or important investigative tests such as an ECG may be especially critical if your doctor is retiring or you are travelling. Of course, such records may also be useful in order to provide accurate information when applying for travel health insurance. Doctors are required to retain patient records in some form long after their practice is closed. A reasonable charge to acquire your records should be expected. Provincial health insurance programs can provide only the dates and type of services provided. Medical Information by Dr. Robert MacMillan MD 32 | www.snowbirds.org
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