Many people visit a doctor or pharmacy on a regular basis. For a lot of these people, keeping track of prescriptions and doctors appointments can be quite a challenge. So, the question is: How can you avoid being one of those people? Here are 7 online tools for keeping personal medical records.
One way is to start keeping a personal medical journal. It is through this type of journal that you can gather, manage and easily refer to all of your medical information at one central location.
The post below discusses some of the most popular tools people use to maintain their medical records online.
Understanding A Personal Medical Journal
When you keep a personal medical journal, you will create for yourself a series of information relating to your past and current health. One of the most common ways to keep a medical record is doing it on paper. However, sorting through the paperwork can become a major headache in case of an emergency.
Fortunately, with advancements in technology, it is easier than ever to create and maintain a personal medical journal using web-based applications. Well explore some of them in the subsequent paragraphs.
What actually goes into a medical journal depends upon your age and state of health. For example, if you have a medical condition, your journal will highlight your medical history with reference to your condition. Whereas, if you are otherwise fit, but are more susceptible to seasonal allergies and occasional stomach infections, your journal can address medicines or food items that you're allergic to.
Typically, a medical journal comprises the following:
Primary care doctor's name, address and phone number
Chronic health problems and their severity
Current and past medications
Seasonal allergies
Your health goals
Details of your screen tests' results
Major/minor surgeries you've undergone
Exercise and dietary habits
Benefits Of Keeping A Personal Medical Journal
In some instances, a personal medical journal can prove to be a literal lifesaver. In other instances, it is just a handy compilation of all the information in one place. Other benefits of this type of journal include:
Doctors will especially appreciate that you keep your own medical journal as it allows them to easily assess your current health state and start treatments based on your history.
In between doctors' visits, you can easily manage your health data. From monitoring blood pressure to reminding yourself of hospital appointments, a journal will prove very advantageous.
When you set health goals for yourself, a medical journal helps you track your progress, which in turn makes it easier for you to accomplish your goals.
A medical journal is the sure way to keep your health information complete, accurate and well organized.
Online Tools For Keeping Personal Medical Records
Keep and Share
The Keep and Share website enables users to keep track of their medical information online or by jotting down notes in a printable journal. One of the reasons to use a journal through Keep and Share is that it will be in a calendar format.
EveryMove
This medical journal app offers several rewards for staying healthy. There are employers who encourage their workers to use EveryMove, and reward them with merchandise and gift cards from local merchants for keeping themselves in good shape.
AARP
For those of you who are AARP members, it is beneficial to use the company's medical journal app. To begin, all you need to do is open a HealthVault account.
Health Journal
For those of you looking for an online journal that can be printed, visit Sharecare.The journal can be used to track medications, exercise habits, dietary habits, symptoms and much more. You can even use the journal to keep track of your lab results.
iBlueButton
Coming about by a federal initiative, this app makes it incredibly easy for you to access your health records via the Internet. At one time, the app was only accessible by veterans; however, it can now be used by the general public. From basic health records to lab results to X-ray images,iBlueButton is an app that everyone should use.
Capzule PHR
In addition to tracking your own medical records, the Capzule PHR app enables you to keep track of your entire family's records. The information stored in the app can be easily accessed from almost any device that is connected to the Internet. If needed, you can back up the saved information via an online cloud. Beneficial features of this app include:
You can maintain a lists of all past and current physicians
Medical Insurance info and contacts
Pill reminders
Records of medication
Blood pressure tracking
Documenting immunization
Tracking glucose level
My Medical
Much like the Capzule PHR app, the My Medical app allows you to track your medical information as well as the information of your family. This app is especially advantageous because it works on all Apple devices. My Medical does cost you some, however, the detailed functions that it carries out makes it well worth the money invested.
To conclude, the more you keep track of your health, the more likely you and your doctor are to identify any problematic conditions and provide your immediate medical treatment. Fortunately, keeping track of your health information doesn't have to be complicated, especially with the use of an online personal medical journal.
Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Dorothy Wheaton, PA-C, is an experienced healthcare professional. She works with Careworks Convenient Healthcare, a provider of fast and efficient healthcare services via walk in clinics and urgent care centers.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.