Between shot records to x-ray copies, prescription information to hospital stays and surgery records, the average person is sure to have a file of medical information an inch thick—if not more. When you have additional family members to keep track of, the job becomes that much more complicated.

Keeping medical records straight may not seem like such a big deal; after all, what’s done is done. But when you’re keeping track of your own medical history, linking events and risks with possible current health issues, and checking insurance payouts and medical bills for accuracy, they can come in pretty handy. You can also use them during tax season. And what about medical emergencies? Doctors always want a medical history when you bring someone in, but in times of emergency, it’s not like he or she (or you!) will remember everything.

To keep these records organized, it’s good to start with a 3-ring binder for each family member. There are actually kits you can order just for this purpose, but it’s just as easy to make your own. On your first page, you should include the person’s name and any relevant information, such as blood type, a copy of his or her insurance card, doctor information, a list of prescriptions he or she is taking—including herbal remedies and vitamins!—as well as any allergies the person might have.

You’ll want a few folders with pockets to hold things like bills, x-rays, copies of prescriptions, and any medical papers you might have such as release forms, instructions following a surgery, etc. You may want to organize them by type of care, such as general health, dental health, eye health and sexual health. A pocket on the inside cover for shot records is very h

elpful, particularly for children.

You might also want to include a list of doctor appointments you’ve had for easy reference, as well as what your vital stats were on those appointments (or if you check your blood pressure, glucose levels, etc. at home). Be sure to keep a record of all injuries, hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy and anything else received as well.

Treatment instructions for special conditions should also be included. For example, I would include that I need one to two inhaler administrations during an asthma attack, or that my daughter needs three drops per ear if she is experiencing pain due to an infection.

The beauty of the organizer is that when you go on medical visits or consultations, you can bring it with you to answer any questions that the doctor may have for you to answer.