Emergency medical information your family should have

In an emergency, the first questions at the hospital are what medicines you take, what you're allergic to, and what conditions you have. If you can't answer, your family has to. One written list, a copy on your phone's lock screen, and the names of your doctors give them the answers in a minute.

What goes on the list

[ ] Every medicine: prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements, with the dose and when you take it
[ ] Allergies, to medicines and to foods, and what happens
[ ] Conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure or a heart problem
[ ] Surgeries, implants or a pacemaker
[ ] Your blood type, if you know it
[ ] Your health insurance or Medicare card, front and back
[ ] Who to call, with phone numbers

The FDA's My Medicine Record is a free form for this. It asks for each medicine's brand and generic name, what it looks like, how much and when you take it, why, and who prescribed it. Source: FDA, My Medicine Record.

How to get the list without guessing

Ask your pharmacy for a printout of the medicines it fills for you, and check your doctor's patient portal. If you have Medicare, a Medicare account lets you download your claims, and with Blue Button you can share your Part D drug claims with doctors you choose. Source: Medicare.gov, share your Medicare claims.

Your right to your own records

Under HIPAA, you can get a copy of your own health records. The doctor or hospital must act on your request within 30 days, with one extension of up to 30 more days. If the records are electronic and you ask for an electronic copy, they must give it to you that way when they can, and they may charge only a reasonable, cost-based fee. You can also ask in writing that they send a copy straight to someone you name. Source: 45 CFR §164.524, access to your health information.

Doctors here and in Mexico

[ ] Each doctor's name, specialty and phone
[ ] The clinic or hospital where each record is kept
[ ] Doctors or pharmacies in Mexico, with their city and phone
[ ] The hospital you prefer, if you have a choice

Put it on your phone's lock screen

On an iPhone, open the Health app, tap your profile picture, then Medical ID. Add your medications, allergies, conditions and emergency contacts, and turn on Show When Locked. First responders can then see it from the Lock screen without your passcode. Source: Apple Support, set up your Medical ID.

On many Android phones, open the Safety app, tap Your info, then Medical information, and add your blood type, allergies and medications. To show it on the lock screen, turn on Emergency info access, Show when locked. Anyone who picks up the phone can then see it. Source: Android Help, emergency info on your phone.

Who goes with you, and who can talk to the doctors

Decide who goes with you to the hospital and give them a copy of the list. A medical power of attorney names who makes health care decisions if you can't, and a HIPAA authorization lets doctors share your information with the people you choose. See the medical power of attorney in Texas and the HIPAA release and out-of-hospital DNR. Source: 45 CFR §164.524, access to your health information.

Your life's operations manual, ready in an afternoon

FamiliaLista stores your instructions, messages, and access — and delivers them to your people only if you're ever gone or unreachable. By message and email, in English and Spanish.

Start free →

Familia plan from $79/year · Your family, ready. No matter what.

Want this talk for your church, school or team?

Frank Flores gives free family-readiness workshops, in English or Spanish.

Book a free workshop →

Frequently asked questions

What should be on an emergency medical information list?

Every medicine with its dose, allergies, conditions, surgeries or implants, your insurance card, your doctors, and who to call.

How long does a doctor have to give me my records?

Under HIPAA, 30 days after your request, with one extension of up to 30 more days.

How do I put my medical information on my phone?

On iPhone, set up Medical ID in the Health app and turn on Show When Locked. On many Android phones, add it in the Safety app and turn on Show when locked.

Is this medical or legal advice?

No. It is general information from the FDA, HHS, Medicare and the phone makers. Ask your doctor about your own care.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.