How long to keep medical records?

How long to keep medical records?

When I was 10, my mom gave me a big, colorful box to keep all my drawings, stories, and photos safe. She said, "You might want to look at these when you’re older". Medical records are kind of like that special box — but for your health.

Doctors recommend keeping medical records for at least 7 to 10 years. But some records should be kept forever, like those from surgeries or serious illnesses. For kids, it’s best to keep medical records until they grow up and turn at least 21. Think of medical records as a health storybook. The longer you have it, the clearer the story about your health will be.

Why is it important to keep medical records?

I remember the day my grandma went to the hospital, feeling very sick. The doctors asked my mom a lot of questions about grandma's health, her previous illnesses, and medications. My mom didn't have all the answers right away because some important papers were missing. It took longer to help grandma, and it was stressful for everyone.

That's when I realized how important medical records are. They help doctors quickly understand your health history — what medicines you’ve taken, if you’ve had allergies, or if you've been sick before. Keeping medical records can make the difference between getting quick help or waiting anxiously, hoping someone remembers important details.

Organizing medical records

One day, I spent hours looking for my favorite drawing but couldn’t find it because my box was messy. Medical records can be tricky like that if you don’t organize them well.

Here's how to organize your medical records easily:

• Make Folders: Use folders or binders to separate different types of records like "Doctor Visits", "Vaccines", or "Tests".

• Write Dates: Always write the date of your visit or test on each paper. This makes finding information quick and easy.

• Use Digital Tools: You can ask your parents or caregivers to scan important papers and save them on a computer or phone. This way, they’re safe even if the paper gets lost.

External links to help you dig deep into the topic:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/personal-health-record/art-20047273

2. https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/career-tools/career-pages/health-information-101/

3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ever-read-your-medical-record-heres-why-you-should-202407083056