Why You Need an A-Fib Notebook and 3-Ring Binder (and a Patient Portal?)

As you search for your Atrial Fibrillation cure, you will want to organize the research and medical treatment information you are collecting. Start with a notebook and a three-ring binder or a file folder.

What to Include in Your A-Fib Binder

Your A-Fib binder is where you should file and organize all your A-Fib-related treatment information, such as:

• contact list of all health care providers and facilities
• lab test results, EKG strips and other medical records
• office visit notes and phone calls
• list of all medications
• health insurance claims and records
• records of any major medical event from the past two years
• completed worksheets and blanks ready for use
• research from the internet or medical center library

Our available free worksheets: 10 Questions to Ask Before Taking Any Drug; 10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Any Cardiologist; Keep an Inventory List of Your Medications

Make Medical Record-Keeping a Habit

Make Medical Record-Keeping a Habit

We strongly encourage you to get in the habit of keeping a copy of every test result you get in your three-ring binder. Don’t leave your doctor’s office, medical center or hospital without a copy of every test or procedure they perform.

If the test result isn’t immediately available, have them email you a copy. (For another option, see my comment below about using Patient Portals.)

If you are missing some records, read our article, How to Request Copies of your Medical Records. We give you three ways to request your medical records from your doctors and medical providers.

Does Your Healthcare Provider Offer a Patient Portal?
A patient portal is a secure website that gives you direct access to your medical information, including lab and procedure results, immunizations, prescribed medications, doctor visit summaries and upcoming scheduled appointments. (You can download lab results and imaging reports, etc. to your laptop or send to yourself via e-mail.)

If you’re not yet connected, it’s easy to sign up. Just ask your healthcare provider.

Add Your Personal A-Fib Summary

Doctors appreciate knowledgeable, informed, and prepared patients. Each doctor will probably ask you many of the same questions, such as:

• What particular symptoms are bothering you?
• When did you first begin to experience these symptoms?
• Are these symptoms occasional or intermittent or persistent?
• Is there anything that appears to worsen or lessen your symptoms?

For efficiency, prepare your Personal A-Fib Medical Summary (see How to Create Your Personal A-Fib Medical Summary) and include a copy with each packet of medical records you send to doctors. Store the original and copies in your binder.

Prepare a Packet for Each New Doctor

When consulting a new doctor (or interviewing a prospective one), create a packet of your medical records including test results and any applicable images/X-rays.

Your A-Fib Binder holds all the information you will need.

Consider sending your packet ahead of time. (But bring an extra copy with you. Don’t be surprised if some doctors didn’t have time to read it beforehand.)

Remember: Keep Your A-Fib Binder Up-to-Date

After each doctor visit, add your handwritten notes from your notebook, such as changes or additions of prescription medications or supplements and copies of any tests, referrals to other medical professionals, etc. Also, update your ‘Personal A-Fib Medical Summary’ when necessary.

Your A-Fib Binder is a Valuable Resource.
It will help you find your A-Fib cure!

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