Search Results for: blog the importance of managing medical records

Your Medical Record Binder

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As I previously mentioned keeping your medical records are extremely important. When I got the very first mammogram results and ultrasound findings I put them aside. When I got my lumpectomy pathology report I started my cancer binder. In this binder I put all pathology reports, lab results, and I even got copies of my oncologist notes to keep for my own records. My Oncologist seemed to feel that it was not necessary but as you will find out later it came in very handy. If you are going on any major medical journey I feel that keeping an up … Continue reading →

Tax Write Offs and Charitable Donations

Right around this time of year, I start adding up all of our charitable deductions. Donations to Goodwill and other non-profit thrift stores are a big part of that. One year, when we did a major clean out, we totaled almost $5,000 in charitable donations of clothing and household goods! If you haven’t been taking write-offs for your charitable donations, make sure that you get started this year. You really can save quite a bit on your taxes, as long as you remember a few tips. What Are Your Charitable Donations Worth? When you donate goods to a charity, you … Continue reading →

When Your Doctor Frustrates You

What can you do when you are frustrated by your doctor or your medical care (or the medicare care of a loved one)? It turns out, quite a lot. There are many reasons why your doctor may frustrate you, and some of these issues can be addressed directly with the doctor or the office. For example, if you feel that they doctor is talking at you instead of to you, you can gently point this out. Make sure that you bring a list of questions or concerns with you to your appointments and don’t be afraid to speak up when … Continue reading →

Could Your Old Books Make Money? How to Check Book Value

If you have bookshelves full of books you may also have a source of income. Clearing out those books could not only mean a more organized home, but it may also mean less debt or more savings. That is because you can often sell your books for cash. Before you consign them all to a yard sale (where you can still earn some money for the most common books), make sure to check book value. That is because among all of the best sellers and summer reads, you may just find a few books that could make you some real … Continue reading →

Time to Get Your Flu Shot

I am a big believer in flu shots. Every year, I sign myself, my kids and my husband up for this important inoculation. While last year was one of the mildest flu seasons on record, don’t expect the same for this year. Two new flu strains have emerged, and fortunately, this year’s vaccine is ready to get you protected. While a flu shot is now recommended for almost everyone over the age of six months, studies show that many people are still reluctant to get their. In fact only about 52 percent of children and just 39 percent of adults … Continue reading →

The Good Old Informed Consent Form

If you are facing a surgical procedure, you will have to sign an informed consent form. This is a form that spells out what the risks and expected outcome of the procedure may be. It is used to confirm that you are aware of everything that will happen in the operating room or office and area allowing the doctors, nurses and staff to perform the procedures. You may have several consent forms to sign, depending on the procedure. For example, you may have one informed consent form for anesthesia and another for the actual surgery. Parents or guardians will have … Continue reading →

I Meet my Oncologist

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OK so I have my pathology report it is in my new Cancer Binder now what? I have been down the cancer road before unfortunately. When my dad was 47 he died of esophageal cancer and the year before I got my diagnosis my husband had testicular cancer. His cancer was caught very early and he had his surgery, had radiation and was now considered cancer free. I was sitting in my house with my computer trying to decipher the pathology report but I was VERY overwhelmed. I called my surgeon gave me his recommendation as to what oncologist to … Continue reading →

Deciphering the Pathology Report

The web is a great and powerful source of information. It can also be a great source for anxiety and wrong information. When I got home from getting my printed pathology results I could not stop reading them. I had no idea what I was reading because I was not a doctor. I did not have an appointment with an oncologist yet as it was New Year’s Eve when I got the official printout. I could not wait for an opening to find out all about my cancer. As I previously mentioned I hate waiting. I went to the web … Continue reading →