Keeping a Health Journal

As you or your loved one begins to require increased attention to health issues, keeping an up-to-date medical journal can come in handy. Having quick access to this information is not only useful to you on a day-to-day basis, but to health care providers as well — especially in a time of emergency.
Keeping the journal is something you and your loved one can do together. In a notebook, create sections to include the following:
Health Insurance Information
In nearly every circumstance when medical care is received, patients must provide health insurance information. Having your loved one’s health plan name and policy number readily available can help facilitate quicker access to care.
Doctor/Hospital Contact Information
You never know when you’ll need to unexpectedly contact a doctor or emergency medical facility. On one page of the journal, write down the names and phone numbers of the doctors and specialists your loved one sees regularly.
Prescription Medications
Doctors should always be aware of any medications a patient is taking — to prevent “over-prescribing” or harmful drug interactions. Your health journal should include a list of the medications your loved one is taking and the condition(s) they treat.
Allergies
There’s a reason why health care providers always ask if patients have any allergies: it can impact the course of treatment provided. Make a list of any allergies your loved one may have, along with the symptoms and current treatment (if applicable).
Major Illnesses or Surgeries
Devote a page of your journal to listing any major illnesses your loved one has had in the past. Examples include pneumonia, cancer and heart disease. Also make note of past operations, such as heart surgery, hysterectomy, gall bladder removal, appendectomy, etc.
Emergency Contact Information
Finally, be sure to list the names and phone numbers of family members and/or friends who should be notified in the event of a medical emergency.
Once the journal is complete, make sure that you and your loved one keep it up to date, making any necessary changes or additions every time medical care is received.
Article brought to you by Court House Center, A Genesis HealthCare facility located at 144 Magnolia Drive, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Stop in and we will help you get started with your personal health journal today. For more information, please call the Genesis CareLine at 866-745-CARE or visit www.genesishcc.com.