Medical records are the documentation of the medical histories of patients. They includes the following information: demographics and personal circumstances of the patient, such as the name, birth date, age, civil status, etc. They also list the diseases, sickness and growth landmarks of the patient, as well as his allergies and preferences.

Hospitals and health care service providers compile and store medical records of the patients for safekeeping, but it would be better for each patient to maintain and compile their own. Doing this will make them aware of their own health while at the same time become more interested and learning more about how their body reacts to certain diseases and external stimuli. This has been especially true for allergic reactions. A person with allergies should know what causes them and know how to deal with them properly.

Hospitals and health care providers, on the other hand, need the medical information so they can give continuous care to the patient. This continuity of care should not stop in case the patient transfers to another hospital or chooses another doctor. The previous hospital or doctor is required to turnover the medical records of the patient, so the new hospital or doctor can continue monitoring his health.

Doctors depend on this to come-up with better diagnostics of a sickness or disease. They need these records to avoid prescribing medications that can otherwise produce ill-effects to the patient instead of being a cure for the sickness. They also need it to give advice to patients with a weak disposition, so they can avoid possible contraction of diseases or illness he is vulnerable from. In times of emergency, for example, if the patient is unconscious, his medical records are all that the hospital or doctor can use as reference.

As already explained, medical records are very important and because personal information is stored in medical records. Indeed, there are legal and ethical rules that must be followed. Simply put, hospitals and doctors are required to keep patient information confidential and secure from unauthorized third parties. Also, patient records will be used solely for the continuous care of the health of the patient.