Preparing the International Medical
record...
How
a parent can act as a doctor and collect and record medical data
While some families are fortunate enough prior to accepting a
referral to be provided with some medical data to present to a medical professional
for evaluation. There are equal and if not more families who have a blind
referral. You as a parent with the proper training and education can collect
medical data and record it. Once collected, you can have this data transmitted
back to the United States for evaluation and interpretation by a American
doctor.
Prior to your choice to adopt, most adoption agencies will provide the prospective parents
with some sort of medical records, pictures and video tapes. This quality of
these medical documents depends on the Childs age and the country of origin. It
is highly recommended that for parents who visit the child prior to adoption
that they can help to collect the required medical documents and prepare your
own video recording during their trip.
Sometimes medical
information is scarce and the desire to adopt is great. It is imperative that
you as a parent ask your agency to provide as much medical information as
possible. This is all that you have to help you make a lifelong, irreversible
decision.
If all concerns
and questions are not adequately addressed, it may be better to refuse a
referral for adoption rather than to proceed with one that you are ill prepared
to handle.
What information
should you request in order to make an informed decision?
Any information
about the child's life prior to the adoption will be helpful.
The following is
a checklist of information that if available might aid in your evaluation
process:
Child's Birth
Mother:
- age
- occupation
- number of previous pregnancies
- number of other living children
- current living conditions
- smoking, drinking and drug habits
- Why the child
was institutionalized
- The age at
which the child was removed.
- Where the
child has lived.
Your
Adopted Child
- birth weight,
length and head circumference
- birth history,
including gestational age and the method of delivery
- medical
problems both before and after the placement.
- any medical
diagnoses
- medications
taken on a regular basis.
- blood
transfusions received, if any and why?
- immunization
records
- medical
evaluations from specialists in the country of origin
- laboratory
studies prior to adoption
- growth
measurements including height, weight and head circumference should be
obtained.
Translations
Obtain the
medical records in both English translation as well as the native language.
English translation will allow for rapid interpretation of the medical records
and the native language will help to determine the validity and accuracy of
these translations.
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