In an emergency, during a new appointment, or when helping a family member, having the right medical information in one place can make care easier and safer.
You do not need a complicated system. A simple one-page medical summary can be very helpful.
What to include
Basic information
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Phone number and address
- Preferred language
- Emergency contact
- Primary insurance information
Current medications
List prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, inhalers, eye drops, creams, patches, and as-needed medications. Include the name, dose, how often you take it, why you take it if known, and prescribing provider.
Allergies and reactions
Do not just list the allergy. List what happens, such as rash, nausea, hives, breathing trouble, or another reaction.
Medical conditions
List current and important past conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma or COPD, sleep apnea, kidney disease, cancer history, stroke, blood clots, major injuries, or other conditions relevant to care.
Surgeries and hospitalizations
Include the surgery or hospitalization, approximate date, hospital or facility, reason, and any complications.
Doctors and pharmacies
Include your primary care doctor, specialists, preferred pharmacy, pharmacy phone number, and durable medical equipment supplier if applicable.
Medical documents
Note whether you have a healthcare power of attorney, living will, advance directive, do-not-resuscitate order if applicable, or organ donor registration. Also note where those documents are stored.
Where to keep it
Consider keeping copies in your wallet or purse, on your phone, with a trusted family member, in your patient portal, or on the refrigerator or another visible place for emergency responders if appropriate.
Keep it updated
Update the sheet when a medication changes, you are diagnosed with a new condition, you have surgery or hospitalization, your insurance changes, your emergency contact changes, or you complete or update medical wishes documents.
A simple medical information sheet can help you explain your history, avoid medication mistakes, and support better communication during appointments or emergencies.