Your digital health record contains a lot of the information your care team needs to provide you with the best care, and in the age of digital everything, it may seem like keeping an old-fashioned medication list is a waste of time. But taking a few minutes to jot down your medications and keeping your list current can lead to safer, more effective care when it matters most.
Recently, Victoria Davenport, DO, Northern Light Primary Care, Pittsfield, answered some common questions about medication lists and why it is worth your time to keep one.
Q: What is a medication list?
A: When you go to the doctor, they will usually ask about your medications. That’s why it’s helpful to keep a medication list, a tool to help you keep track of your prescribed drugs, over the counter medications, and vitamins and supplements. You should bring your medication list to all your appointments—the doctor’s office, the emergency department, and walk-in care.
Q: Why is it important to keep a medication list now that information is stored digitally in the medical record?
A: Your medical record does have a list of your medications, but it may not be up to date for many reasons. You might see multiple doctors or receive care from more than one hospital, you may have your prescriptions filled by more than one pharmacy, or you could take vitamins or supplements that aren’t prescribed. Hospital computer systems may not “talk” to each other, so if you do use more than one facility for your care, no single medical record may be completely accurate.
Your care team may not have all the information they need to make the best decisions if they don’t have an accurate list of your medications in an emergency. Medications like blood thinners, pain medication, diabetes medication, and antidepressants can affect your lab values and lead to the wrong treatment for your condition. Your medication list also helps prevent errors, even if it’s not an emergency. For example, it may help your doctor catch missing medications or extra doses, dosing mistakes, or interactions between medications.
Q: What should be included in a medication list?
A: You should include any prescription medications, drug samples, over the counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, vitamins, herbal remedies, dietary supplements, IV medications; basically, any and all medications you are taking.
Q: How can you keep a medication list?
A: It doesn’t need to be complicated. Just mark down the medication, dose, and frequency, and it’s also helpful to include any allergies or reactions to medications you’ve had. You may also want to list the doctor who prescribed it and the pharmacy where the order was filled.
You can keep a printed list in your purse or wallet, or a save a copy on your phone. There are even several apps that store your list and provide pill reminders, refill alerts, medication logging, and more. Be sure to update your list when things change and tell your family where they can find your list in case of emergency.
If you have questions about how to keep a medication list and what should be included, reach out to your doctor’s office or pharmacist—they are always willing to help.