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Cancer

How to access records

Last updated: Thursday, December 15, 2011

When you go for a diagnostic test or procedure let the person giving the test or procedure know that you would like a copy of the test results or procedure report.

At each doctor appointment, ask for a copy of any new information added to your medical record. You may also want to write your own notes detailing what happened at every appointment.

If you spend time in a hospital, ask to take a copy of your medical record with you when you leave.

Remember, according to the HCPSA, the body that all doctors must be registered with in order to practice, a medical practitioner must provide any person with a copy or abstract or direct access to his or her own records on request.

If you have completed treatment, it is not too late to compile a personal medical record. Write to your healthcare practitioners ask for copies of your records.

What to keep

Keeping information about your health organised and easily accessible, such as in a journal, file, folders or 3-ring binder. Keep this information organised by date of the services received.

Medical Information
Medical History	Dates of diagnosis Diagnoses – includes the name of your cancer, the stage and grade of your disease. Remember to include where your cancer is located, whether it has spread to other parts of your body Medical Reports pathology and laboratory test reports diagnostic tests such as biopsy results, imaging tests (scans, x-rays, MRIs, etc.)
Treatments & Medications	The names and dosages of any drugs you receive. Remember to record dosages for chemotherapy as well as sites and dosages for radiation therapy. Information about supportive care, including pain or nausea medications, drugs or procedures to treat other side effects, and other types of care such as occupational therapy or nutritional support The results of any treatments you receive and if you experienced and complications or side effects.
Contact Information	Name and contact details of all the doctors treating you such as: General Practitioner Hospitals Nurses Oncologist Physical and occupational therapists, Physiologist/ psychiatrist Radiologist Social workers Surgeons

General Information
Employment Benefits	Employment contract Company disability policies Leave entitlements
Insurance Policies	Medical and hospital insurance Medical Scheme rules Life insurance Long-term disability insurance Short-term disability insurance Workers' compensation insurance
General Administrative Documents	Invoices for medical or treatment related expenses and receipt of any payments you made Personal financial records A Will. You should specify: Who is to receive your assets What the beneficiaries will receive When the beneficiaries will receive the assets How the distribution of your assets is to be done State who you want to name as the guardian(s) of your children.