Healthcare

Medical History

When I first took my mom to a doctor or the emergency room, I was often asked for her current medications and conditions, as well as her medical history.  Initially, I didn’t have all the information and mom wasn't always willing to share all the details with me for a variety of reasons.  The most obvious was that I'm a male and she was female.  So, obviously, some information was very personal.

The hospitals she visited used a patient portal system called MyChart.  It had some of her information but it wasn’t complete since she didn’t always visit the same hospital system. I gained access to MyChart to educate myself and correct missing information, but I still had to keep my own record of her current medications and diagnoses to share with medical staff during visits.

Learning which "patient portal" system your local hospital and doctor's office uses and getting access to it is very important.  It helps ensure your aging loved one receives the best care, especially during emergency room visits or first-time doctor appointments.  Don’t assume the hospital or doctor’s office will have a complete medical record.

Your aging loved one may not want to share some or all of their medical history with you.  Let's face it... they simply may not want you to know all of the facts.  Some information may be embarrassing, reveal very personal secrets or raise other questions.  But, having a complete medical history plays a crucial role in the care and well-being of your aging loved one for several reasons:

 

1. Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment

A detailed medical history allows healthcare providers to understand the patient's past health issues, surgeries, medications, and any chronic conditions. This is critical for making accurate diagnoses and prescribing the most effective treatments.

 

2. Medication Management

Aging individuals often take multiple medications, which can interact with one another. Knowledge of current and past medications helps avoid dangerous drug interactions and ensures that new medications do not exacerbate existing conditions.

 

3. Preventative Care

Understanding the patient’s medical history, including family history of diseases, can help in taking preventative measures. For example, if there's a history of heart disease, doctors can monitor cardiovascular health more closely and recommend lifestyle changes to reduce risk.

 

4. Allergy Awareness

Aging individuals might have allergies to certain medications, foods, or other substances. Knowing these allergies prevents adverse reactions that could be life-threatening.

 

5. Management of Chronic Conditions

A comprehensive medical history helps caregivers and doctors manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or dementia. It allows them to track the progression of diseases and adjust treatment as necessary.

 

6. Emergency Situations

In the event of an emergency, having access to the loved one's medical history helps first responders and doctors act quickly and appropriately. It reduces the risk of administering contraindicated treatments and speeds up life-saving interventions.

 

7. Mental Health and Cognitive Decline

Monitoring changes in mental health and cognitive function (e.g., dementia or Alzheimer’s) is more effective when there is a clear medical history. It helps in early detection and management of symptoms, ensuring better quality of life.

 

8. Tailored Care Plans

Medical history enables healthcare providers and caregivers to develop personalized care plans, adjusting routines, activities, and dietary needs based on specific health conditions.

 

9. End-of-Life Decisions

When discussing end-of-life care and wishes, a thorough medical history helps in making informed decisions about advanced care directives, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, and palliative care options.

HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that protects the privacy and security of health information. The Health and Human Services (HHS) link below provides information about an individual's rights under HIPAA.

HIPAA for Individuals
HIPAA and the CDC
The CDC link below shares more information about HIPAA.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Wikipedia Article on HIPAA
This Wikipedia article shares the full history of HIPAA.

Wikipedia