Your Health Records: What to Keep and Why

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.