• Download Your Free Chronic Illness Health Information Sheet

Download Your Free Chronic Illness Health Information Sheet

A while back I wrote about a tool I used called the Health Information Sheet. It’s a word document that I created that includes every aspect of my medical care. I am offering a free, downloadable word document and/or PDF version of my Health Information Sheet template. It’s quick, easy, and will save you trouble the next time you’re off to see a specialist.

How to use the HIS:

Download, fill it in on the computer or print it and write the information in
Update and print two copies—one for you and one for your doctor— every time you see a new specialist
Keep one in your purse/bag/wallet for emergency situations and give one to your emergency contact person.

What does the HIS include?

Your contact information, your emergency contact information, your pharmacy information, a current and prior medication list, past/current medical history, surgical history, current physician(s) information, a symptom list, questions/discussion points to remember— everything a patient needs to keep track of and everything your new doctor wants to know about a new patient.
Examples of how information should be entered
Three pages of everything you need to have readily available when seeing a new doctor or in the event of an emergency

This is especially helpful for people with complex medical histories with overlapping medical diagnoses. For those of us with Autoimmune Arthritis, the prior medication list is great for listing different DMARDS, biologics, and medications used. Each section includes directions on how to elaborate on each section in shorthand, making it easier for your doctor to read the information and you to write it. There are little notes with suggestions, reminders, and important tips as you go along.

This is extremely important for those of us who are fatigued and combating brain fog. If it’s not written down and you’re put on the spot, chances are you are going to forget something (maybe even something important).

It’s a known fact that chronically ill patients have a difficult time coordinating care. Between rheumatology, endocrinology, orthopedics, gynecology, diagnoses after diagnosis and after dozens of medications, it can be difficult to keep track of dates.

So stop trying to memorize it all and put it in your free HIS.