According to BreastCancer.org, “Keeping track of your medical records — even keeping your own records — is an important part of dealing with any serious medical problem.”

Even for those who are presently healthy, self-managing medical records is imperative. As Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, explains, record keeping is also vital for “critical moments, such as an emergency.”

How many of us can honestly confess to diligently tracking our own medical records, let alone being prepared for a medical emergency? If you raised your hand, bravo. Now, how many of us who are caretakers — whether for children, older parents, grandparents or an ailing family member — do this?

Keeping tabs on your own medical information is difficult enough; tacking on a family member (or two) can be downright stressful — and confusing.

Celsya (Cel-see-ya), a new free and completely secure online medical-record storage database, alleviates the extraneous worries of both individual and caretaker. Check out Celsya’s solutions to some of the trickiest issues of medical record keeping and tracking diagnoses.

DIAGNOSIS: THE CHALLENGE OF PROPERLY TRACKING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Celsya founder Eran Weinberg knows all too well the challenges of caretaking. A few years ago, Weinberg took over full-time care of his grandmother. Being tasked with tracking her blood pressure, administering her medication and taking charge of her overall healthcare, he felt helpless and confused.

As Rosanna Brown, President of Personal Healthcare Advocate in southern California since 1997, explained, “The task of caring for a loved one during an acute illness, where sleep is limited and emotions are strained, is not a good time to rely upon one’s memory for important medical information — regardless of your stage in life.”

Parents of young children experience the same challenges.

“How many moms can rattle off when the last tetanus shot was given or provide the dates of each immunization shot for all three of their children?” asked Brown.

For caretakers of every circumstance, Celsya offers an all-in-one medical record storage stop shop. Individuals of all ages and demographics can store and manage their medical information electronically all in one place. To become a member, you simply create a username, login and personal profile — free of charge.

DIAGNOSIS: TIME CONSTRAINTS

“Time constraints on the medical community are only going to get tougher,” Brown said. “The quicker a physician is able to access complete and accurate medical history, the better equipped they will be to properly diagnosis and treat the individual.”

Brown elaborated that the estimated average duration of a doctor’s appointment is less than seven minutes — all the more reason to have your medical history organized and up-to-date.

Thankfully, Celsya’s “sharing option” enables members to email their information to their healthcare provider prior to an office visit.

“A user will be able to generate and print out her own Medical Access ID card with all her member details,” Weinberg said. “It’s something she can keep in her wallet.”

Celsya members can also easily share medical information with their caretakers and/or family members.

Added Weinberg, “Even though we give access to doctors, medics and caregivers, Celsya is secure — no one unauthorized will be able to access your profile.”

DIAGNOSIS: MEDICATION MANAGEMENT MISHAPS

“It’s critical for healthcare providers and patients to coordinate prescription maintenance to reduce complications of improper dosage administration,” Brown says, “which accounts for 41 percent of fatal medication errors according to the FDA.” Brown explains that the senior population is at a higher risk, as they tend to be on numerous medications. Everyone, regardless of their age, should be diligent in maintaining an accurate inventory of what medication they are taking and with what frequency.

Celsya has the capability to send reminders via text and email to assist with medicinal maintenance. In addition, you will also receive a “warning” message if Celsya detects any prescription drug interactions. “Now that my husband and I are retired, we are traveling more often,” Sofia Buoscio says. “The medication alerts are great in helping my husband and I stay on schedule and not forget to take our heart medications.”

DIAGNOSIS: EMERGENCY

One of the most valued aspects of Celsya (and a prime incentive to become a member) is emergency care access.

“There is an access area for doctors and medics on the home page of Celsyalife.com,” Weinberg said.

Here, emergency response personnel can also access your pertinent medical information from your member card (ID bracelets will also be available in the near future).

“As a firefighter/medic, this is also what I push the elderly and those with extensive histories to get into,” said John Grady. “Every time someone updates their profile, they can print a copy in case of an emergency. That saves us a lot of time asking and digging for information.”

Ultimately, this results in faster treatment and increases one’s chance of survival.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

In addition to helping solve some of the major challenges associated with maintaining personal medical records, Celsya promotes and encourages personal goals toward a healthier lifestyle. Celsya will help members manage, track and reach their goals — whether it be weight loss, exercise and/or overall health improvement.

By Erin Davis

MyTurn.com