Treatment Logs

No matter if you are on a prophylactic or on-demand treatment plan, keeping an accurate treatment log is an essential part of managing your bleeding disorder for several reasons: 

• Treatment adjustment. Review of your treatment log is essential to determine how well your medication is working in your body, whether you have a target joint, and if you need to change treatments based on a possible increase in the amount of medication you are using.
• Insurance purposes. Most insurance carriers now require that you keep a treatment log to ensure that you are using your medication as ordered and as a condition for continued reimbursement. 
• Disability benefits. A treatment log may help support any disability claims you make. If you apply for financial help from Social Security, you will need to make a strong case that demonstrates how your bleeding disorder affects you. A clear record of your medication uses and bleeding episodes is necessary for building a successful claim. 
• In case of a recall or issue with factor. If there is a recall or issue with a particular medication, the only way you will know if you have received it is if you have kept thorough records of the name and lot number of every treatment you take. 

What to Include in a Treatment Log 

A treatment log should track all medication uses and all bleeding episodes. 

If you take our medication and you are experiencing an acute bleeding episode, you should record the following: 

• The date and time of the bleed 
• The location and severity of the bleed 
• How quickly the bleed was treated 
• The treatment used (include the brand name, the expiration date, the lot number, and the amount used) 
• Additional steps taken to manage the bleed (for example: pain medication, an ice pack, compression bandages) 
• The level of pain 

If you are taking your medication and you are NOT experiencing an acute bleeding episode, you should record the following: 

• The date and time when you are taking your medication 
• The treatment used (include the brand name, the expiration date, the lot number, and the amount used) 
• The reason for taking your medication (for example: scheduled prophylaxis, pre-surgery) 

Treatment Log Options 

In today’s digital age there are many choices for keeping a treatment log. You should work with your HTC to figure out what is the best way for you to start a log. Your HTC might have a preferred method that will allow you to also easily share the information with them. Additional options may be found by searching the website of your insurance carrier or the brand of your medication. These sources often provide simple infusion logs that you can download and print. Alternatively, you could set up your own infusion log on your computer using a word processing or spreadsheet application. 

If you have a smart phone, you may wish to check out the numerous mobile apps that allow you to track your bleeds and medication use. The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) has a web-based tool and mobile app that can be used to track bleeds. In addition, with your permission, this treatment information can be downloaded directly into your HTC record. Of course, a simple notepad and pen will also work—just remember to record your bleeds and medication use at each occurrence. 

Your treatment log should be kept in a safe place that you can get to easily. You should bring it with you to every medical appointment. It’s also a good idea to let a loved one know where they can find your treatment log. This is specifically important for emergency situations.