Once a Patient, Always a Patient? [Bulletin date: January 18, 2026]
The answer is yes, but don’t be discouraged! If you think of yourself as no longer a heart patient or a cancer patient, it may be because your condition is under control, and that is a good thing. However, whenever you complete medical history paperwork, have an appointment with a new medical provider, or start a new medication, it is important to remember past as well as current medical conditions.
For example, your hypertension (high blood pressure) may be totally under control due to daily medication. Even though your blood pressure readings are good, you still have hypertension. Or perhaps you have had cancer and are now considered cancer free, but you continue to be followed by an oncologist. That would be a significant part of your current medical condition and should not be considered just something of the past.
Other examples may be a thyroid condition which is controlled by medication, or diabetes which you have controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. These chronic conditions may feel as if they no longer exist, but they still do.
Finally, maintaining
a medical history document is a good idea for everyone. This list should include a list of
medications (prescription and over the counter), medical providers, and current
and past medical conditions. Be sure to
update this whenever your history changes.
Having this information readily available is important for accurate and
appropriate future medical treatment.
770-552-6400 x6019
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