Welcome back!
This morning we received a reminder call for Dad’s yearly optometrist appointment tomorrow. The caller said to bring a list of his medications.
This month alone, he has six appointments and two routine blood draws. Two of those office visits are yearly examinations. I am sure I will fill out forms to update his personal information as I did last year.
I hope this list lessens the stress on caregivers as they fill out numerous forms. Try to keep as much information as possible in a folder to take with you to each appointment, especially the yearly examinations.
1. Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all doctors, including medical, dental, podiatrist, optometrists and pharmacists and other specialists. There are instances when the doctors need to correspond with one another. Most specialists send a follow-up letter to the primary physician.
2. List of allergies. Knowing when a parent may have an allergic reaction to medications such as penicillin or codeine can prevent serious side effects.
3. Medical conditions and health history. Physicians like to know of preexisting health concerns such as diabetes or heart problems. Include family history of your loved ones parents and siblings, if pertinent.
4. List of medications. If possible, have your parent carry a list of their medications including over-the-counter products such as aspirin, daily vitamins, cold or sleep medicine, or herbal remedies.
Some doctors have their patient bring the medications with them to routine office visits for review. My father always carries his pill bottles in a plastic bag to his quarterly primary care appointments.
5. Insurance information. Include name of provider and policy number. If possible, copy the front and back of all insurance and Medicare or Medicaid cards. Many offices also copy the cards, so make sure you have them available.
6. Prior surgeries, medical procedures and the most recent tests. You may need to provide dates and results of x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s, and medical implants such as pacemakers when filling out forms for first time visits, or at the least know where the information is stored, i.e. what hospital or lab.
7. Lifestyle habits. List any known drug, alcohol or tobacco use, or addictions. It is helpful to know such details as the history of use, frequency, and if they stopped.
8. Birth date and social security number. Many computerized medical facilities now use a patients’ social security number and/or birth date to access pertinent files.
Over the past two years, I needed every bit of information included in this list.
Assembling the information ahead of time and keeping everything in a special folder helped reduce the stress of Dad’s many medical appointments.
Updating health care providers’ files with current information helps assure the best possible care for our loved ones.
What other information have you found necessary to keep on hand? Please share any additional tips in the comment section.
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