How to put together a parent's medication list before a specialist visit

This guide is general information to help you organize, not medical advice. Take any question about your parent's health or medications to their doctor or pharmacist.

Why one list matters

Specialists often see only part of the picture. A single, current list lets each doctor and pharmacist see everything your parent takes, which is the information they need to answer your questions well.

What to write down for each item

• The name on the label, and the strength.
• How it is prescribed to be taken, exactly as the label says.
• The prescribing doctor, and the pharmacy that fills it.
• What it is for, in the prescriber's words, if you know.
• The date it started, if it is new.

Don't leave these off

• Over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements.
• Eye drops, inhalers, creams and patches.
• Anything prescribed by a different doctor or filled at a different pharmacy.
• Allergies and past reactions, at the top of the page.

Three ways to make it accurate

1. Gather every bottle in one place and copy from the labels, not from memory.
2. Ask the pharmacy for a printed list of everything they fill, and compare it with the bottles.
3. Bring the list and the bottles to the appointment, and ask the doctor to confirm it.

Keep it current

Update the list the same day anything changes, keep one copy with your parent and one with you, and date the top of the page.

Where Parsons at Home fits

Keeping this list accurate and coordinating refills with the pharmacy is part of every membership. We document the list; questions about what to take always go to your parent's doctor or pharmacist.