Organizing; Medical Records and Appointments
I’m continuing to write about organizing. This subject is a sore subject for me since the beginning of my cancer I wasn’t able to write everything chronologically. I hope noone has to be diagnosed anything serious but it’s a good thing to keep track of things. So here it is;
Use a marble or spiral notebook for medical notes. Record dates, health care providers’ contact information, visits, test results, phone calls, follow-up appointments, etc. List the person you saw or spoke to, when and what was discussed. Bring the notebook with you to your appointments.
In your notebook, write down any questions you want to ask at your next appointment and leave room for the answers.
Use a notebook that has one or two pockets for prescription, business cards, instrctions, etc.
At home, keep a file for all of your receipts for co-pays and explanation of benefits forms you receive from your insurance company. You may want to maintain a separate file for each health care provider and one for prescriptions. Another suggestion is to maintain the files chronologically. Either way, at the end of the year, store the year’s files together and start a new file for the following year.
Maintain a notebook and file for each member of the family.
Having a way to be organized during a medical journey is exactly what needs to be done.
If you do just one thing to organize your health
Make an – Important Page!
Take it with you if you need to go to the emergency room or an acute care center.
Write/type your name, date of birth, health conditions, allergies, surgeries, medications and person to contact in an emergency and any other important information, so that if needed there is a one-page overview of yourself or loved one (if you are making this for a loved one be as thorough as possible). Put anything you feel is important in…ANYTHING!!!
Keep your important information filled in and updated. Make copies so that you can have one in your car, purse, home, etc.
Health & Happiness
Taking the time to make yourself safe if something should happen is a responsibility you owe to yourself and the ones you love.
Next tip – Medication Information.
Thanks for the tips Laura… Looking forward to the next tip…
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