| Medical Care Summary (MCS) |
The Medical Care Summary document is a typed summary of the GCM assessment, which includes the client’s medical history and permits ease and effectiveness in providing Emergency Room and Hospital staff crucial medical information. This information is key in allowing them to quickly diagnose and treat current symptoms; enabling them to learn relevant information at a time when one may be compromised and unable to communicate or answer questions.
Presenting this information to physicians and other health care professionals saves time and often leads to more prompt attention to pressing problems and needs. Having this document also avoids the need for repetition, having to explain and repeat the same information to each physician, specialist, hospital, facility, or other health care service providers. Perhaps most importantly, this summary enhances communication and coordination by keeping all professionals abreast of current medical history, medications and care providers.
Family members, especially those who may not live in close proximity, also find it helpful to have a succinct summary of pertinent information. Guardians and Health Care Powers of Attorney also find having this document helpful when called upon to act as surrogate decision-makers.