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If possible include:

• A copy of your advance directive, including a living will and power of attorney.
• Your pharmacy name and phone number.
• The poison control phone number (1-800-222-1222).
• Records of insurance claims and payments.
• Written notes from your doctors or doctor visits.
• Anything else about your health that you think is important.

How to get started and store your medical information

Get a copy of your health records from your family doctor and anywhere you've received health care. To get started, call your family doctor and ask for your records, or wait until your next visit. Ask your doctor if he or she can help you make a personal health record. Your family doctor also may be able to help you find other places where you may have medical records, such as at a hospital.

You may need to sign an "authorization for the release of information" form. You may need to complete this form for every facility that you request records from.

You also may be asked to pay for copies of your records and the time it takes to make copies. You also may be charged for mailing fees. Ask how long it will take to receive your copies.

After you have your information, you need to organize it. Here are some ideas:

• Use a 3-ring binder or wire-bound notebook with dividers for each member of the family. If you get a notebook with pockets, you can keep test results and other health papers in these pockets.
• Create a file on your computer with your information. Create the file in any software program you feel comfortable using.
• Use software that creates a personal health record.
• Store your health records on a secure Internet site. Your health plan or hospital may have one.

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) sponsors an Internet site where you can search for paper-based, software-based, and Internet-based personal health records. Go to www.myphr.com.