Would you like to know exactly about your and your family's medical records?

Now we are going to talk about something that is very important for you and your family. That is medical records, or as we say in English, ``(Medical Record)``. Simply put, this is like a written story about your health, or a diary. The illnesses you have suffered, the medicines you have taken, the tests you have done, all this is recorded in this.

What is actually in a medical record?

Okay, now let's see what kind of information this medical record contains. It's like your health history book. Most of the time, hospitals and doctors' offices now have these on computer systems. We call these Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Electronic Medical Records (EMR) . This is very convenient because you can keep the information organized and quickly find it when you need it.

So, a report like this usually includes the following:

• Basic personal information like your age, gender, and ethnicity .
• Your height and weight . You can also record how these change over time.
• Any specific medical problems you have. For example, whether you have asthma, epilepsy, or a long-term condition such as diabetes mellitus.
• Your mental health issues . If you have been treated for conditions like anxiety or depression, there may also be notes about that.
• The results of your medical tests . This includes lab test reports, X-rays, and scan reports.
• Details of the medications you are taking, the dose you should take, and how many times a day you should take them . This is very important, because only when you take the medication correctly will the illness get better.
• Allergies you have. This means whether your body reacts to certain medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), insect bites, certain foods, or latex. This is extremely important information, as it can be a big problem if you don't know about it and treat it in an emergency.
• Details of any surgeries you have had and any hospital stays you have received .
• Your immunizations . This records all the vaccinations you have received since childhood.
• If necessary, billing and insurance information can also be added to this.

Imagine that your child suddenly falls ill and is taken to the hospital. If the doctor can quickly find out what allergies the child has and what medications he has previously been given, wouldn't that be a great help in providing the child with quick and accurate treatment? That's why these medical records are so valuable.

Who can see my child's medical records?

This is a question that many parents have. Usually, if you want to see the medical records of a child under 18 , or share that information with someone else, you need the permission of the child's parent or legal guardian . Doctors are very careful about this. They will not give your child's information to anyone without your permission.

However, there are some special emergencies where this rule may be slightly different. For example, if a doctor believes that there is an immediate risk to a child's health or safety , they may need to notify the appropriate authorities, perhaps without the parents' permission. However, such situations are rare and only in the best interests of the child.

There are rules and guidelines that are accepted all over the world to protect the privacy and confidentiality of these medical records. For example, in the United States of America, there is a special law called the ``Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - HIPAA'' to protect such information. In Sri Lanka, protecting the confidentiality of patient information is also part of the professional ethics of doctors. Therefore, you have nothing to fear about it.

Are all these electronic health record (EHR) systems connected to each other?

This is also a good question. Now, if you are going to have your child treated by several doctors affiliated with the same hospital network, that is, if your child's pediatrician and dermatologist both work at the same large hospital, then usually with your consent, they can easily see and share your child's electronic health record (EHR). Because they are in the same system. This means that continuity of treatment can be maintained.

But, imagine that you show your child to a doctor at one hospital, and then go to a doctor at a different hospital for a second opinion. In such a case, the second doctor cannot simply see the records that the first doctor has . For that, you will have to make a separate request to get those earlier records. You may even have to make a written request. While this may seem like a bit of a hassle, it means that you are in control of your child's information.

How do I get a copy of my child's medical records?

Parents of children under the age of 18 have the right to obtain copies of most information from their child's medical records. This is your right.

To do this, you usually have to fill out a special authorization form . You can request this form from your doctor or from the relevant department at the hospital. In it, you need to tell them exactly what kind of information you want.

• If you are changing doctors, you may need the full medical record .
• Or, you may only need specific information, such as the details of a ``surgery'' performed, or the report of a ``test''.

Please clearly state these details on the application form. Sometimes a small fee may be charged for this.

However, there is a special point to remember here. That is regarding mental health records . According to the laws of some countries (and to know exactly about the laws, rules and practices in Sri Lanka, it is best to ask your doctor), when a child reaches adolescence , that is, around 15 or 16 years of age, the right of parents to obtain records related to the child's mental health (for example, notes taken by a therapist during counseling sessions, or notes from discussions with a psychiatrist) may be limited to some extent. This is done to respect the child's privacy and confidentiality. Therefore, it is wise to talk to the doctor in advance and clarify this matter.

What other important things should I know about this?

Another important thing is that, if possible , it is a good idea to keep a copy of your child's (or your own) medical records with you, either as an electronic copy or as a filed paper copy . This is like a little 'health file' that we have in our hands.

Why is it so valuable?

• Imagine you had to take your child to a specialist . Having these records on hand will make it easier for the new doctor to quickly understand your child's health history.
• This is also very useful if you are switching to a new doctor .
• In the event of an emergency , for example, if the child needs to be taken to an emergency room (ER), these records will help you quickly find out things like the child's allergies and medications.
• Also, this is very convenient when filling out forms for schools, camps, or daycare centers that require you to provide health information and immunization details about your child.

Simply put, having this information handy will help you be prepared at all times. It can reduce unnecessary delays and hassles.

So, what are the most important things we need to remember?

Okay, from everything we've talked about, there are a few things you need to remember. If you keep these things in mind, they will be very beneficial for you and your family.

• Medical records are invaluable: they are your and your children's health history. They are like a road map, guiding you to the right treatment.
• Be aware of what's in the report: It's good to have some understanding of what your medical report may contain.
• Know your rights: Be aware of your rights, especially to obtain and view your child's medical records. Understand the consent process.
• It's wise to keep a personal copy: If possible, keep a copy of important medical records with you. This can be invaluable in an emergency or when changing doctors.
• If you have any questions, ask your doctor: If you have any doubts or questions about any of this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse. They are there to help you.

So, I hope this information is useful to you. This kind of awareness is very important for a healthy life!

` Medical Records, Medical Record, Electronic Health Records, EHR, EMR, Health Information, Children's Health, HIPAA