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Newsletter Archives
December 2009
Wrapping It Up
November 2009
Prepare the Pantry
October 2009
Costumes & Decorations
September 2009
Enough
August 2009
Help for the Home Office
July 2009
Getting Crafty
June 2009
A Better Bedroom
May 2009
Eco Organizing
April 2009
Getting Ready to Garden
March 2009
The Path To Clutter
February 2009
Easing Into Downsizing
January 2009
Organizing For Renovation
December 2008
Organizing For Next Year
November 2008
More Of My Favorite Organizing Tools
October 2008
Making Life Easier
September 2008
Clearing The Closet
August 2008
How To Let Go Of Stuff
July 2008
Managing Medical Records
June 2008
Road Trip Organizing
May 2008
Collections Instead of Clutter
April 2008
Getting Ready for Tax Time
March 2008
Where to Begin
February 2008
When You Want to Help
January 2008
Top Ten Causes of Disorganization
December 2007
Organize for Air Travel
November 2007
Organize for Small Spaces
October 2007
When Life Happens, Reorganize
September 2007
Bathroom Organizing
August 2007
Paper Organizing
July 2007
Uncluttered Kids' Rooms
June 2007
Top Ten Organizing Tools
May 2007
Grapple The Garage
April 2007
Managing Your Time
March 2007
Spring Organizing
February 2007
Help for Caregivers of Aging Parents
January 2007
National Get Organized Month
December 2006
Year End Organizing
November 2006
Give Thanks for Being Organized
October 2006
Holiday Kitchen Organization
September 2006
In Case of a Weather Emergency - Organize!
August 2006
Back to School Organizing
July 2006
Declare your Independence from Summer Clutter
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ORGANIZING TIPS OF THE MONTH: JULY 2008
Managing Medical Records
If you have health issues, you know that with medical treatment comes a mound of paper. Even if you are blessed with great health, you still need to keep well organized medical records so you can keep track of routine exams and medications. Overwhelmed by it all? I can help put your paperwork in order.
- Create medical files for each household member. They can be individual files with sub files, file boxes, 3-ring binders with dividers, accordion files—pick what best fits your needs. Label each file with a subject and the person's name. For example--Prescriptions: Jennifer; Medical Exam: Jennifer
- If your medical papers are all in an unorganized pile, you must sort and purge before you can file. Separate the papers by each person’s name. Then sort those piles by subject. Shred any duplicates or out of date information. Put any unpaid bills in your “To Pay” holder. Have files for insurance claims. Keep papers in chronological order for easier reference.
- Have a record of each person’s basic medical information on hand. Include doctor’s name and contact information, allergies, medications (including dosage/frequency). Make a succinct medical history with any medical conditions, surgeries, diseases. Include dates of occurrence. Have a current immunization record on file. Bring copies to the doctor’s office to expedite completion of medical forms.
- Make copies of tax deductible medical receipts. Put the originals in your tax file for the corresponding year. File the copies in your medical files.
- Enter appointments on your calendar. Do not just rely on an appointment card to jog your memory. Those small cards are easily lost, so clip them to the calendar on the month the appointment is to take place. You can also fasten it to a bulletin board or magnetic board near your calendar. Take the card with you for your appointment so you will have the address and phone number handy. You can call if you get stuck in traffic or cannot find the office.
- For complex medical issues, keep a phone log of calls to medical offices and insurance companies. Jot notes detailing the date, time, reason for/results of the call, and with whom you talked.
- If you switch doctors, ask for copies of your medical records. You may have to pay a fee, but it is important for you to have your complete medical information.
- Remember to make medical files for your pets too. Keep their treatment and immunization records up to date.
- How long should you keep medical papers? Guidelines vary. Generally, if the paperwork is tax related, keep it for 6 years plus the current tax year. Keep records of surgeries, illnesses, and immunizations forever. For your own financial peace of mind, keep records of your payments for medical/dental expenses for 5 years. It is frustrating for a bill demanding payment to arrive years after the procedure, but it happens. Retain the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from the insurance company for the current year to keep track of deductibles, insurance payments, and FSA usage. Also keep EOBs until any disputes are settled. Shred paperwork you no longer need, so your files stay current.
©All Sorted Out, 2008 All Rights Reserved
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