My video production team was webcasting the Consumers Union’s “Safe Patient Project” Conference. Amidst the public clamor regarding spiraling costs, public options, and liability, the conference stressed the need to focus on the patient and quality of care. One point was made perfectly clear: patients must take a proactive and involved role regarding their treatment.

One method is the My Medication Tracker which is an online tool designed to help the individual in such a way was mentioned at the conference. Vital information, such as dosage, refill information, prescribing physician, and costs can now be organized, accessed, and printed, allowing you to take the information with you to effectively communicate with your doctor and pharmacist. This can reduce the risk of dangerous drug interactions.

Having relatives who suffer from multiple ailments, I know each one of them is on a serious prescription medication regimen. With multiple physicians and specialists, corner pharmacies, and online pharmaceutical suppliers involved, the need to track and organize medication is paramount. This is one online tool that I couldn’t wait to share with my family.