Your Health Records: What to Keep and Why
Keeping your health records organized can save time, money, and stress—especially when managing prescriptions, switching doctors, or handling insurance claims. Learn which documents to keep, from major diagnoses and surgeries to lab results and EOBs, and how staying organized makes your healthcare simpler and more efficient.
Keeping your health records organized can save you time, money, and stress—especially when switching doctors, managing prescriptions, or handling insurance claims. But with so much medical paperwork, what’s actually worth holding onto?
At a minimum, keep records of major diagnoses, surgeries, vaccinations, and ongoing conditions. Lab results, imaging reports, and medication lists are also useful, especially if you see multiple providers. If you have private insurance, keeping track of past claims and explanations of benefits (EOBs) can help you spot billing errors and track out-of-pocket costs.
Digital tools like patient portals and apps make record-keeping easier, but it’s still a good idea to keep a personal file of key documents. Staying organized not only makes medical visits smoother but also ensures you have the information you need when it matters most.
A Guide to the Best Deals on Prescriptions
Prescription costs don’t have to break the bank. From insurance discounts and mail-order programs to manufacturer coupons and generic alternatives, this guide shows how to find the best deals on medications—without compromising your health.
Prescription costs can add up quickly, but there are plenty of ways to save—without sacrificing quality or convenience. Whether you have insurance or not, knowing where to find the best prices can make a big difference.
Start by checking if your insurance offers preferred pricing at certain pharmacies. Many private PPO plans include mail-order options or discount programs that significantly lower costs. If your medication isn’t covered or the copay is high, compare prices using tools like GoodRx or manufacturer coupons. In some cases, paying cash with a discount program is actually cheaper than using insurance!
Another smart strategy is asking your doctor about generic alternatives or therapeutic substitutions. Many brand-name drugs have lower-cost equivalents that work just as well. A little research can go a long way in keeping prescription costs manageable—without compromising your health.