In life, there are a number of uncertainties that we all face. One of the greatest uncertainties comes in the form of one’s precious health. When we go to a doctor for any kind of health issue – big or small – it is our duty to keep the records in place for future use. The list of our past and ongoing conditions, as well as allergies and other such issues, can come in handy during the diagnosis and treatment of other ailments and emergencies.

Collect the Reports: The start point of maintaining medical records would be the collection of the same. You could give a call to your family doctor or a pay a visit to his or her clinic to gather these records. When you collect these reports, you may also be asked to sign a release form.

Choose the Filing System: There are a number of filing systems that one can use in such cases – from real to virtual. You should ideally take hard and soft copies of these reports. You can choose binders and notebooks to store the hard copies, or a filing cabinet meant specifically for such documents. You can also scan the papers and save them on your computer and cloud storage, for quick and easy access.

File by Medical History: Ensure that you file the papers in a very organized way. Keep the chronic illnesses in one folder, and the short-term conditions in another folder. If you have suffered from any major diseases like pneumonia or jaundice in the past, these must be kept in a third folder.

Screenings and Insurance: Keep your insurance papers in one folder. Also, all your screenings should be maintained in a operate pocket. Ensure that you set a reminder for the insurance payments and for your future screenings so that you do not miss either.

Maintaining your medical records is of utmost importance so that they can be used in the future. Keep them in boxes, files, or the computer. Also, let at least one family member known about your filing habits.