One of the first things you should do with a copy of your medical record is check it for accuracy. Doctors and other health care providers rely on your medical records to make correct diagnoses and identify potential problems. Health insurers rely on information in your medical history to approve medicines and procedures and process payments.

It's important to make sure your information is accurate and complete. You should carefully review all the information in your records, which may include:

Your personal information

• Is the information that identifies you correct?
• Is your contact information and your emergency contact information up to date?

Your diagnoses

• Is the record of your health conditions correct and up-to-date?
• Is anything missing or mistaken?
• Has anything changed?

Your medications

• Is the list of medications you take complete and are the dosages accurate?
• Are there any medications on the list that you no longer take?
• Does the medication list include all over the counter medications you take?

Your tests

• Are any test results missing?
• Do your doctor’s notes reflect the test results accurately?

Your care team

• Is the list of doctors and other providers you see accurate and up-to-date?

Your advanced directives

• Do you have documentation of your preferences regarding extraordinary measures and end-of-life care?
• Are they up to date?