Stay on top of your health with a personal care plan

Do you know all the medications you're currently taking? When your last tetanus shot was? Which specialist ordered that recent test? 

If you see multiple doctors, take several medications, or manage chronic conditions, keeping track of all the details can be challenging. That's where a personal care plan comes in. Think of it as a roadmap for your health — a single document that keeps all your important medical information organized and accessible. 

Whether you're preparing for an appointment, coordinating care between providers, or planning for the future, a care plan helps you stay on track. 

Here's how to create one and why it matters. 

What is a personal care plan? 

A care plan is a document that organizes your health information in one place. It includes details like your medical conditions, medications, provider contacts, and health goals.  

Some care plans are created with your doctor during your annual wellness visit. Others you create yourself to stay organized between appointments. 

Why it matters: 

• Keeps you organized. No more scrambling to remember medication names, dosages, or when you had your last screening. 

• Improves communication. When you see a new specialist or visit urgent care, you can share accurate, complete information quickly. 

• Prevents gaps in care. A care plan helps you track upcoming appointments, screenings, and prescription refills so nothing gets missed. 

• Prepares you for emergencies. In an urgent situation, medical staff can quickly see your conditions, medications, and emergency contacts. 

• Supports your caregivers. If a family member or friend helps manage your care, a care plan ensures they have the information they need. 

What to include in your care plan 

Your care plan should be tailored to your needs, but most include these key sections: 

Health conditions and medical history 

• Current diagnoses (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc.) 

• Past surgeries or hospitalizations 

• Allergies (medications, foods, latex, etc.) 

• Family health history (heart disease, cancer, diabetes) 

Current medications and supplements 

• Names of all prescription medications 

• Dosages and how often you take them 

• Over-the-counter medications you use regularly (pain relievers, allergy medicine, etc.) 

• Vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies 

• Pharmacy name and phone number 

Health care providers 

• Primary care provider (PCP) (name, specialty, phone number) 

• Specialists you see (cardiologist, endocrinologist, etc.) 

• Dentist and eye doctor 

• Any therapists or counselors 

• Preferred hospital or urgent care center 

Insurance and legal information 

• Health insurance plan name and member ID number 

• Medicare number (if applicable) 

• Prescription drug plan information 

• Name and contact for health care proxy or power of attorney 

• Whether you have advance directives (living will, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders) 

Emergency contacts 

• Family members or friends to contact in an emergency 

• Their relationship to you and phone numbers 

• Who has permission to receive your medical information 

Health goals and preferences 

• What you're working toward (managing blood sugar, losing weight, improving mobility) 

• Treatments or interventions you prefer or want to avoid 

• Quality of life priorities 

• Cultural or religious preferences for care 

Upcoming care needs 

• Scheduled appointments 

• Tests or screenings you're due for (mammogram, colonoscopy, eye exam, etc.) 

• Prescription refills needed 

• Follow-up care from recent visits 

How to create your care plan 

Start with what you have. Gather recent health visit summaries, prescription bottles, insurance card, and any test results. You may already have much of this information in your patient portal or member site. 

Work with your doctor. Bring a draft to your next appointment — especially your annual wellness visit. Your provider can help you fill in gaps, confirm medication details, and add health goals. Many doctors will give you a printed care plan summary after your annual visit. 

Keep it simple. Don't worry about making it perfect. The goal is to have accurate, accessible information.  

Store it safely. Keep a printed copy at home in an easy-to-find spot. Save a digital version on your phone or computer. Give copies to family members who might need to help in an emergency. 

Share it with your providers. When you see a new specialist or go to urgent care, bring your care plan or have it available on your phone. It ensures everyone has the same information. 

Update it regularly. Review your care plan at least once a year — ideally at your annual wellness visit. Update it whenever you start or stop a medication, are diagnosed with a new condition, add a new provider, or have surgery. 

Need help creating your care plan? 

If you're not sure where to start, you don't have to do this alone: 

• Talk to your primary careprovider (PCP). Your PCP is the best person to talk to. They manage and coordinate your care. 

• Involve a family member. A trusted relative or friend can help you gather information and keep your plan updated. 

A personal care plan puts you in control of your health. It keeps important information organized, helps you communicate with providers, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Whether you create it yourself or work with your doctor, this simple tool can make managing your health easier.