HomeHealth TopicsSocial Family IssuesPersonal Health Records
Back to Social Family Issues
Personal Health Records
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Social Family Issues

Personal Health Records

Maintaining your own personal health record is an effective way to track your medical history across various providers and facilities.

Why Keep a Personal Record?

You have likely seen your chart at your doctor's office, and you may have charts at several different offices or hospitals. These charts are your medical records, which may be on paper or electronic. To keep track of all this information, it is a good idea to keep your own personal health record.

What to Include

You can start your personal health record with the following information:

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

List your blood type, any life‑threatening allergies (e.g., penicillin, latex), current heart or respiratory conditions, and a concise “Do Not Resuscitate” or other advanced directive status if applicable. Keep this summary on the front page of your record and consider storing a printed copy in a wallet or on the fridge.
Start with your full name, date of birth, blood type, emergency contact details, a list of current medications (including dose and frequency), known allergies, and any chronic conditions you have. Adding these items creates a solid foundation for any provider to quickly understand your health status.
Each method has trade‑offs. Paper is low‑tech and immune to hacking but can be lost or damaged. A password‑protected computer file is convenient but vulnerable to malware. A reputable, HIPAA‑compliant cloud app offers automatic backups and easy sharing with providers, provided you use strong, unique passwords and enable two‑factor authentication. Choose the format that matches your comfort with technology and your need for accessibility.
Review and revise your record after every major event—new prescription, lab test, hospital stay, surgery, or change in symptoms. Set a monthly reminder on your phone or calendar to scan for updates, and keep a dedicated notebook or digital folder where you can quickly add notes as they occur.
sk the specialist’s office for their preferred method—many accept a secure email portal or a patient‑portal upload. If you’re using a cloud app, you can generate a time‑limited sharing link that expires after the appointment. Never post your record on public or unsecured platforms, and always verify the recipient’s identity before sending.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss