Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

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Guiding Star Point Three: Build Relationships
Passing Notes, Patient Portals
Always ask for a copy of any report or lab result. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO GET A COPY OF YOUR
MEDICAL DOCUMENTS. Offices now use electronic medical records (medical records stored
in a computer), but staff should be willing to make you a paper copy. Save this paper copy
in your binder. (Find out more about keeping a binder for your records in Guiding Star Point
Four, “Manage Information.”) Many people now keep records on their tablets or phones.
That is your choice, but paper is always a safe backup when technology fails! If there is
something in this report that another team member should know, write a note or email
(if he or she is a provider) to put the information in your file.
Whenever possible, WRITE the information--don’t just tell it to the person. Information gets
lost, forgotten, or misunderstood. Plus, you may need a record later. If it is not documented,
it didn’t happen. Email is best because you have a record of what you wrote. If you are not
sure about what to include, ask the provider to help you before you leave the appointment.
If writing is difficult for you, find out if you can get a case manager or an advocate from
a local organization to help you. Try calling 211 on the phone or visit 211.org online
to ask about resources to help young adults with special physical, mental health,
or developmental needs.
Many health providers now use a patient portal to keep records and exchange
information with patients and family caregivers. In this system, you can sign into
a personal account that allows you to find information, set up or cancel appointments,
and send messages to your health provider. If your pediatrician or other
health provider offers this system, sign up. If it seems confusing, ask someone in the
provider’s office to help you during the next appointment. This is one more reason to
keep a good relationship with provider support staff! They usually know better than anyone
else how their systems work.
Whenever possible, WRITE
information, don’t just tell it.
Information gets lost, forgotten,
or misunderstood. Plus, you
may need a record later.
Good Questions About Medication
1. Should I check in with your office before the next appointment to
let you know how the medication is working? If so, when and how?
2. How shall I contact you about a side effect that worries me? (Tip:
Write down the phone number and a contact name. Ask if there is a
“patient portal,” which is an online way to contact your provider’s
office and/or keep medical records.)
3. If you are not available, whom should I call or contact?
Ask for contact information.
Don’t forget to WRITE DOWN the answers.
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