How to organize your medical records

A blood cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but organizing your medical records doesn’t have to be. There are many benefits to keeping a file with all of your medical records in one place, especially if you see more than one doctor or are seeking a second opinion. We’ve put together this guide to help you get started, along with some suggestions about what to include in your file and how best to access records from your healthcare providers.

Why you should organize your medical records

Maintaining an organized file or three-ring binder of your personal medical records and lab reports allows you to: 

• Play an active (and more informed) role in your care
• Store all your test results and medical information in one place
• Refer to reports when talking with your healthcare team or caregivers
• Compile information from different doctors' offices
• Track trends or changes over time (for example: levels of B12, iron, or folate can play a role in anemia)

What to include in your medical file 

The best way to organize medical records is to include, in chronological order, your: 

• Medical history
• Initial diagnosis
• Pathology reports
• Blood, marrow, imaging, and other test results
• Treatment recommendations
• Health insurance claims
• Cancer treatment dates and locations
• Specific sites and amounts of radiation therapy, if applicable
• A list of drugs or supplements used to treat your cancer, including the dates you started and stopped taking them
• A list of other therapies you've undergone, such as blood transfusions and dosages
• A list of any side effects you experience
• A list of other drugs or supplements you take for other health reasons

Requesting copies of your records 

You're entitled to receive a copy of your medical records and health history from a doctor or a hospital. (Originals must remain in the doctor's or hospital's file.) To receive a copy of your medical history or test results, you must submit a written request to your healthcare providers. Doctors and hospitals may charge for copies of your medical reports, tests, and X-rays or scan images. 

Keeping track of your tests 

Follow these tips to help you keep track of your tests: 

• Ask your doctor why certain tests are being done and what to expect
• Discuss test results with your doctor
• Find out if and when follow-up tests are needed
• Mark upcoming appointments on your calendar