Make a simple index for appointment documents

When preparing for an appointment with a family professional, you might need to find specific documents without sifting through every file. Creating a simple index can help you efficiently locate the requested material and identify the dates they cover.

How to Create Your Index

This worksheet helps organize only the documents requested by the office. Keep original files in their existing location; use the index to point to them. Here’s how you can set up your index:

Reusable Blank Table

Creating the Index

1. Item label: Give a brief descriptive name to each document.
2. Dates covered: Note the range of dates the document pertains to.
3. Original location: Record where the document is stored, such as a folder name or a digital path.
4. Question: Specify any question or issue the document helps address.

Checking Your Index

• Item label: Ensure it matches the document's content and purpose.
• Dates covered: Verify the document accurately covers the noted dates.
• Original location: Double-check that the location is correct and accessible.
• Question: Confirm the document is relevant to the question or issue noted.

Fictional Worked Example

Here’s a fictional example to illustrate how to fill out the table:

Explanation of Fields

• Item label: In this example, "School Report" is a concise label.
• Dates covered: The report covers one month, clearly stated.
• Original location: The path indicates where to find the document within your storage system.
• Question: The question highlights the document's relevance to a custody discussion.

This worksheet is a practical tool for organizing and accessing the specific documents you need. For more detailed preparation, visit appointment preparation checklist.