Medical Records 101

Between trying to figure out the doctor's handwriting (not a problem if the records are electronically based), the abbreviations and medical words, it may be best to start a review of your records in your doctor's office. You can ask staff members for help. There is also likely to be a medical dictionary you can use.

For help in deciphering Medical Records and decode abbreviations, look at a medical dictionary, or a web site such as:

• http://stanfordhospital.org/PDF/SHCApprovedAbbreviations.pdf
• www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusidictionary.html
• www.ama-assn.org/insight/gen_hlth/glossary/index.htm
• www.geocities.com/hotsprings/9837/abbrev.html

If the process becomes too difficult, a friend, family member, member of your support group, or a person in your local disease specific non-profit organization may be able to help, or at least get you started. You can save specific questions for the next time you see your doctor.

If you cannot locate free help, consider hiring a professional patient advocate or a service that interprets and types medical records. Perhaps a medical student would help for a fee less than a service.

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