Many people do not carry their medical reports along with them while going out of town. In case of any medical emergency, they may have to go to a doctor. They would not have the previous medical reports at such a time. They may not even be able to say where they have kept their medical reports at home. If someone does have his medical reports with him, they may not organised. At such times, it may become difficult for the doctor to diagnose a disease and treat him. To prevent such situation, it is better to arrange all medical reports in a portable file. This file should be carried along while travelling or be placed at a specific place at home (or Ashram). Those residing with him should know of the place where this file is kept so that if required, he can be of help to the patient on the phone too.
How to arrange medical reports ?
1. Each individual should have a separate file. For example – husband and wife should not have a common file. Even a new-born baby and mother should have separate files.
2. The file should be organised in reverse chronological order, with the most recent report filed first. This will allow you to see the latest records first.
3. This file should not contain medical bills, receipts or other similar documents. If it is necessary to store these documents, make a separate file of these documents. The medical report file should be exclusively for medical reports only and not contain any other documents such as electricity bills, marriage invitations, etc.
4. If your documents contain X-rays, CT-scans, MRI films, arrange their photo-copies in this file and keep the original films in the respective envelopes. If their CDs are available, keep them in a proper cover with their identification key written on them.
5. This file should include diagnostic comments of the doctor, discharge summaries and discharge cards of the patient issued by the hospital.
6. The number of medical reports and doctor’s papers might be large in numbers in case of chronic diseases. Such papers can be organised in separate files. If treatment for some disease is going on for more than a year or two, it is better to have a separate file of 1-2 years. The papers before to this period should be organised in a separate file. The recent file should be made available to a doctor on priority.
7. Some patients get different treatments from different doctors and hospitals for different diseases. In such cases, the documents should be arranged separately or together as per the convenience.
8. If a patient is undergoing treatment through different Paths (Example – Allopathy, Ayurveda), it would be better to segregate the files based on the medical Paths. Then, you will have separate medical records of respective medical treatments. If an individual is undergoing Allopathy as well as Ayurveda treatment, attach both reports in a segregated manner under the main heading of the disease.
9. If possible, save scanned copies of all records on your mobile. This will help you to have essential records with you all the time.
10. As of now, medical reports are also received through E-mails. Those who have laptops can save their reports in digital format as well.
– Dr. Pandurang Marathe,
Sanatan Ashram, Ramanathi, Goa.
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