Medical Recoard Madness

I was going to post this as a response to Uncaring Doctors, but I realized this is something we should all look at.

I have been collecting my medical records as I am approaching Military retirement and I need to submit my medical record to the VA.
Everyone needs to make sure you have a full copy of your record for yourself and make copies of parts of it anytime you see a new doctor or specialist
So I went about collecting my medical record and came up with some things to think of

a) Be sure to ask for EVERYTHING then ask them where else you need to go. If you are polite you will find the nurse or receptionist is more willing to mention other places you might need to ask about.
Submit request to each location that has parts of your record... yes you will get duplicates of parts but it’s better to have something 3-10 times than not have another vital piece of the puzzle.
So I went to count up my medical Record locations
1) Physical copy Bangor <-- Supposed to have EVERYTHING
2) Electronic copy <--- Again Supposed to have EVERYTHING
3) Inpatient Bremerton
4) Outpatient Bremerton
5) Emergency Room Bremerton
6) Ultrasound/x-ray scans Bremerton
7) Inpatient Madigan
8) Outpatient Madigan
9) Ultrasound/ X-ray Madigan
10) Nuclear Medicine Madigan
11) Harrison Silverdale Outpatient
12) Dental Record

Each of their records has parts that the others do not and for me each one needs to be asked for individually. Do not forget to get copies of Vision Doctor appointments as well as anything else that happens... also make sure labs and doctors notes and anything else anyone can think of is included.

If you see a specialist (or any doctor in a different office) be sure to ask for a copy of everything as well.
Once I turn in a copy of my copy (remember you need a copy for yourself) to the VA they will send me out to a lot of different doctors to rate my medical problems. I also know I need to get copies of all the info each of these places make up as well.

Can anyone else come up with more things you might want to have for your OWN personal copy of your medical record, if you can please post them here.

OH also remember as soon as you hand a copy to any doctor for them to use it is then there record and if you want it back you may need to pay a fee… (so just give them copies).

Also don’t let them get away with telling you that you will get the information “later” get it as often as you can to keep your primary personal record up to date.

I plan on having a physical copy and an electronic copy and also I am putting a copy in my safety deposit box… and I will always have another copy or 2 so I can put up parts of it as needed to whatever doctor or specialist I may be visiting.

Craig