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Planning an international travel? Consider packing your personal medical records too!

You can book an airplane ticket now and be at any destination in the next few hours or days. Traveling today has become so convenient. Before you board that airplane for a long international travel or vacation, you should consider packing your personal medical records along with your luggage. As convenient as booking an airplane ticket, accessing your personal medical records while traveling or vacationing overseas can be difficult. In an internet connected world, medical records are still being printed and mailed or fax. As crazy as that may sound, you should be prepared for serious illness or accidents in another country. These vital documents won’t take much space in your luggage. When planning your trip, make certain that you and your emergency contacts can access your health personal health records in case of a medical emergency. Have your medical records in the language of the country you are visiting can mean life or death in case of a life threating emergency. Having your medical records with you can save your life.

What exactly is a personal health record?

A personal health record is either a physical document or electronic record of your lifelong health information. Your life long health records are needed by either yourself or a healthcare professional to make an informed health decision. Your personal healthcare record should be a secure document only you and privileged individuals can access. Here are a few helpful tips that you should look for in your personal health record.

1. Your personal health records should be portability and on your person at all times.
2. Flexibility to integrate with your evolving health needs or your family.
3. Your personal medical records should inform you of your medical needs and history.
4. You should have authority to question any discrepancy and have control over the information.
5. Easily accessible by you and authorized individuals or healthcare provider.
6. Can be updated to reflect the most accurate information.
7. Your personal health records should contain some common data elements such as name, address, contact information, personal identification, allergies and drug sensitivities, medications taking, and any general health condition.

Now that you are more aware of the information that should be in your personal health record, let our team help harmonize your personal medical records. Please contact Datafied at 800-765-7510 to inquire about your services.