As flooding hit
parts of Texas last week and new tropical systems churn, physicians have advice
for all Texas patients: Obtain a copy of your relevant medical information now,
in case of an emergency later. Now, entering peak hurricane season, the Texas
Medical Association (TMA) recommends everyone get a copy of their vital
personal medical information, including current prescriptions.
“I think it is
wise for every person – child or adult – to have their own medical information,
including a current list of any medications they are taking,” said Gary W.
Floyd, MD, TMA president. “Such information can be very helpful, if not
critical, if the patient is displaced due to a natural disaster or public
health emergency situation.”
Texans and
patients from neighboring states displaced from hurricanes like Harvey, Rita, and
Katrina understand the burden of evacuating their homes and communities for an
extended time, unable to refill necessary prescription medicines in their new
temporary location.
History shows
it is common for as many as 1 million people to evacuate their homes in advance
of a major storm, and many don’t know how long they will be gone. Presumably
none of the Hurricane Katrina evacuees fleeing the 2005 storm imagined their
relocation would be permanent, for example, yet 30,000 people displaced by that
storm ultimately put down roots in Houston, according to one report.
Complicating
matters, natural disasters have destroyed physician practices too, so even
patients who were not displaced could not access their medical information.
The easiest way
to obtain this information is to access records through the physician’s
office’s online patient portal, which allows you to download and save or print
your medical record summary. TMA surveys indicate most Texas doctors (89%)
report having electronic medical records.
Dr. Floyd said most patients can help themselves by having a list of their medications,
notes on any regular health monitoring needed, a list of any allergies, and an
updated vaccination record with dates. Some patients also would benefit from
knowing their tuberculosis test results (if any), and a list of recent
procedures, results, and treatments like cardiac tests and any treatment
schedule.
“You never know
when you might need this vital information, so we recommend acting now to have
it on hand before an emergency arises,” Dr. Floyd said.
The Atlantic
Ocean hurricane season runs June 1 through Nov. 30, with the typical peak
occurring in September. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts
a 65% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, with as many as 21 named
storms likely, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes.
TMA is the largest state
medical society in the nation, representing more than 56,000 physician and
medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county
medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to
improve the health of all Texans.
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Contacts:
Brent Annear (512) 370-1381; brent.annear@texmed.org
Swathi
Narayanan (512) 370-1382; swathi.narayanan@texmed.org
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