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Organizing medical information for ready access
Quick and easy access to medical records is important for patients with complicated illnesses and those who rely on multiple caregivers. Preparing a medical records notebook is a good way to maintain lines of communications between patients, health care providers and those upon whom patients rely to gain access to medical services.
Some physicians' groups have gone paperless and are using "electronic health record" (EHR) systems to store notes, medication records, laboratory reports, etc. Unfortunately, when patients change doctors or move to a new city their personal health information does not move with them.
A number of software systems exist for storing patients' "personal health records" (PHRs). Some PHR products allow the copying of health records to a mass-storage device such as a CD Rom or USB flash drive. Internet-based PHRs can be accessed through a laptop computer from any location that has an internet connection.
California pharmacies have a duty to keep "medication profiles" for at least one year from the date when the last prescription was filled. (California Code of Regulations Title 16 § 1701.1) These electronic records can usually be printed within a short time after the patient's request.
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