By V. Lester, MSN ARNP

Today we have available to us a wide range of magnificent technological advances being used to diagnose and treat many illnesses, disorders and injuries by many levels of specialists and generalists.

We also have a wide variety of payment methods for these services from private pay to the government or to insurance companies. Health insurance is now a commodity that is often dictated by the company the insured person works for.

This means that often times you have been seeing a health care provider for many years where your medical record has been complete. Then your employer changes the health plan he is willing to pay for, or you may change your employment to another company that carries a different health plan. You may be forced to change from your familiar provider to a new provider.

In a sense, you start all over and it is your responsibility to make sure that the new provider has all important correct information on your past health. The computer is being utilized more and more to maintain the records of your case, which can be downloaded in a matter of minutes. This is a great advance and advantage for each patient; however, not all medical facilities are computerized and retrieving will depend on the patient to request data from all of their previous providers. The many parts and pieces of your valuable medical history have the risk of being lost or buried in an old retired file.

For this reason, each and every patient must maintain copies of their health record. Of specific importance: Special tests, laboratory, x-ray, imaging, hospital records, surgical procedures, emergency room visits, injuries/fractures, medication allergies and medication taken in the past and presently. Family history is also important, especially your immediate family. With increased knowledge of genes and what we may inherit from our parents, this information can save hours of diagnostic time.

If you do not have such a record, I would encourage you to gather this information and prepare a separate record for each member of your family. Ask your health provider for copies of your records. Sometimes there may be a charge. Don�t wait - do it now!

Notice: I will be holding a meeting in the Aydon Wellness Clinic to explore the need for and possible use of health volunteers. The meeting will be held September 18 at 7 p.m. All interested persons are welcome to attend.

We will also hold a second immunization clinic September 26 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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