GuidesHow to Organize Medical Information for an Aging Parent

How to Organize Medical Information for an Aging Parent

2 sections · Expert-curated · Free

What to Include

Primary care physician name, phone, addr...

All specialists with contact info

Current medications: name, dosage, frequ...

Allergies: medications, food, latex, etc...

Medical conditions and diagnoses

+3 more

Legal Documents to Keep Accessible

Advance directive / living will

Healthcare power of attorney

HIPAA authorization (so doctors can talk...

DNR order if applicable

Insurance cards

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What to Include

Every provider your parent sees will need this information.

Primary care physician name, phone, address

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All specialists with contact info

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Current medications: name, dosage, frequency, prescribing doctor

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Allergies: medications, food, latex, etc.

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Medical conditions and diagnoses

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Insurance: card copies, policy numbers, pharmacy benefits

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Pharmacy name and phone number

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Emergency contacts in priority order

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Legal Documents to Keep Accessible

These need to be findable immediately in an emergency.

Advance directive / living will

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Healthcare power of attorney

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

HIPAA authorization (so doctors can talk to you)

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

DNR order if applicable

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Insurance cards

Tap “Get my plan” above for detailed how-to instructions, questions to ask, and insider tips for this step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a HIPAA authorization?

HIPAA is the law that prevents doctors from sharing medical information without consent. A HIPAA authorization form allows specific people (like adult children) to access a patient's medical records and discuss their care with providers. Without it, doctors cannot legally tell you anything.

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