Organize your health info: a simple binder (or digital folder) system
Topic: Medications & Doctor Visits
Reading time: 4 min
When health gets complicated, organization is a form of self‑care. A simple “health binder” helps you communicate clearly, avoid medication errors, and reduce stress during appointments.
The 5 sections that cover 90% of situations
- Medication list (with doses, timing, and why)
- Conditions list (diagnoses + surgeries)
- Clinician contacts (primary care, specialists, pharmacy)
- Test results (labs, imaging summaries)
- Emergency info (allergies, insurance, emergency contact)
Keep it simple: One page per section is enough to start. Don’t turn this into a full-time project.
Paper or digital?
- Paper binder: easiest to bring to visits and share with family.
- Digital folder: good if you’re comfortable (consider password protection).
Your “minimum viable” version
If you do nothing else, create (1) a medication list and (2) a one-page “current concerns” note.
Tools: Medication List Builder and Doctor Visit Checklist.
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics or Common Issues.