Keeping Good Records & Enjoying Good Results

• Record The Exact Name, Dosage, and Dates For All Medications.
  What medications helped?  What medications did not help?   
  What medications hurt or caused allergic reactions?
   
• Record The Name, Address, Phone, and Dates For Medical Providers:
  Current and Previous Primary Care Physicians, Psychiatrists, Counselors, etc.
  Medical and Psychiatric Hospitalizations Including Cause and Surgeries
  Your family medical history
   
• Record The Name, Account, Address, and Phone For All Insurance:
  Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Benefits, Private Insurance, etc.
   
• Keep Copies of All Official Identification Forms i.e.,
  Social Security Card, and Driver’s License or State ID Card
  DD214 for Honorably Discharged Veterans
  Birth Certificate, Citizenship Papers, Green Card, or Passport
   
• Record Name, Address, & Phone of Current and Previous Employers.
   
• Record Address and Dates for Present and Prior Residences
   
• Designate A Safe Place to Keep and Organize Your Records.
  Buy a Fire Proof Filing Box, Metal File Lock Box, or Accordion Folder
  Store This In Your Closet; In Your Chest of Drawers; or Anywhere Safe and Secure
   
• Label File Folders By Type of Document & Alphabetize The Files
   
• Take COPIES of Appropriate Records With You When:
  Requesting Help; Applying for A Job or Housing;
  Seeing New Doctors or Counselors; or Going to the Hospital
  It is best to use copies unless originals are required.

You do have privacy rights, and you may choose not to reveal your medical information,
 but an accurate medical history can assist your medical providers, in giving you the best possible treatment.