| The first thing that you should do is collect all your | | | | your medical records so plan ahead. |
| health records from your different healthcare | | | | 3.) Choose which method to store your |
| providers. This includes your general practitioners, | | | | information. You have a choice on which platform |
| eye doctor, dentist, and any other specialist you | | | | to store your medical information. You can store |
| go to. | | | | in a physical paper file, electronically via the |
| Here are a few easy steps for you to create | | | | internet, or digitally via a CD that you can carry |
| your own PHR: | | | | with you. The are PHR tools available online that |
| 1.) Contact your doctors office and medical | | | | you can use. Some are free and others require a |
| records staff at each location that you receive | | | | subscription fee to use. |
| care. Request copies of your electronic medical | | | | 4.) Store the information. Depending on the |
| record and ask the medical records staff or | | | | method you use, you can store the information in |
| physician which parts of the record you need. Call | | | | a physical disk or paper file. Type or write the |
| the customer service department if you want the | | | | information into the completed PHR. |
| medical records kept by your health plan. | | | | 5.) Keep adding and updating the PHR with each |
| 2.) Complete the "authorization for release of | | | | successive visit to a healthcare facility. |
| information" form from the medical facility. This | | | | 6.) Keep your information safe and protected. Let |
| will allow you to gain access to the records. | | | | your trusted family members know that it exists |
| Remember, it may take up to 60 days to receive | | | | but beyond that keep it safe. |