How To Get a List of Loved One's Medications

Keeping an accurate list of medications is important to caring for a loved one so they get the right treatment and avoid harmful drug interactions.

Adverse drug interactions can lead to serious health issues, including decreased effectiveness of medications, dangerous side effects, or even life-threatening situations. For those caring for a loved one, especially someone on multiple medications, understanding these risks is crucial.

Having an updated list of medications—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or supplements—ensures that healthcare providers can make informed decisions and avoid harmful interactions.

Having this information ready can make a big difference in their care and safety.

How to get a list of your loved one's medications

Ask their primary care physician

The first step in getting a list of medications is to reach out to your loved one's primary care physician (PCP), who is responsible for managing their overall health and should have an up-to-date list of all medications prescribed.

You can request this information during a regular appointment or by contacting the office directly. Many healthcare providers also have patient portals where patients can log in and view a list of current medications.

If your loved one sees multiple doctors in different networks, gathering a complete list of medications may be more challenging but still manageable. Start by contacting each healthcare provider individually, either by phone or through patient portals, to request their prescribed medications. If you ask, some doctors might even be willing to share medication lists or information with one another, especially if they're prescribing medications that may interact with each other.

Doctors usually need your loved one's permission to share medical details. If your loved one's health condition prevents them from making decisions, you may need legal permission, like power of attorney, to access this information. Always check the privacy and consent rules of each healthcare provider.

Use Medicaid's pharmacy benefit manager

Medicaid plays an important role in managing prescription medications for those on the program. Each state has a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) that handles the medications covered by Medicaid, including prescriptions and refills.

As a caregiver, you can contact the PBM to obtain a list of drugs your loved one is currently prescribed and what is covered under their Medicaid health plan. Many states offer online portals where you can access medication information or call the Medicaid helpline to request the drug list directly.

Request medication records from pharmacies

If your loved one gets all their prescriptions from the same pharmacy, you can ask the pharmacy for a record. Most pharmacies keep detailed records of the medications they fill, including prescriptions, refills, and dosage information.

Many pharmacies also offer apps or online portals where you can view or download your medication records anytime. This is a convenient option, especially if you need to update the drug list often or access it during doctor visits. Ask your pharmacy if they provide this service and what steps you need to follow.

Use a universal patient record service

Services like Picnic Health or VITALL offer a great way to manage and access a universal health record. These services do all the heavy lifting of pulling together medical records, including prescription information, lab results, medical conditions, and more, into one place, giving you a complete view of your loved one's care. Records automatically update as new prescription drugs or treatments are prescribed so you don't need to request or track medications manually.

Utilize a medication management app

Medication management apps like Medisafe and MyMedSchedule are useful for keeping track of prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. You can track dosage, frequency, and any changes to prescriptions or nonprescription medicines.

These apps remind you when it's time to take your medication, helping to prevent missed doses. When your medications or supplements change, the apps automatically update your medication list. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping it up to date. Some apps also let you share the drug list with your healthcare providers, which makes it easier to coordinate care.

If your loved one is withholding or confused about their medical information

If your loved one is confused or withholding information about their doctors, prescriptions, or medical details, it can make gathering this information more challenging.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Approach with empathy and understanding: Sometimes, confusion or lack of information comes from fear, forgetfulness, or discomfort. Talk to your loved one with empathy and let them know you want to help them feel better and take care of their health.
2. Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking direct questions like “What medications are you taking?” try using open-ended questions. These can encourage the person to share more information. For example, you could ask, "Tell me about your doctor’s visits," or "What medications did your doctor discuss during your last appointment?"
3. Review old medical records: If they can't remember or are holding back information, check any past medical records, prescription bottles, or medication organizers you have. These could be a useful starting point for piecing together the information.
4. Speak with healthcare providers: If your loved one agrees, ask if you can contact their doctors for the necessary information. If they can’t give permission themselves, you may need to go through legal steps, like getting power of attorney.
5. Offer help with doctor's visits: Sometimes, the act of being physically present at medical appointments can help caregivers gather the necessary information. If you can, offer to go with your loved one to the appointments. This way, you can ask the doctors for a medication list and clear up any confusion.
6. Involve a trusted professional: If the situation is sensitive or complicated, consider bringing in a social worker or healthcare advocate. They can help improve communication between you and your loved one’s health care team.

By staying patient and sensitive to their concerns, you can help your loved one open up and ensure that their medication and healthcare information is accurately gathered.A note from GiversWhether it's for a doctor’s appointment, emergency situations, or to avoid harmful drug interactions, having accurate medication information can make a big difference. Be proactive about gathering and organizing this information to ensure the best care for your loved one. Keep the list accessible and always ready when needed.