Taking Care of a Loved One with Cancer

When taking care of a loved one, there are certain things you will need to know.

Treatment for Cancer does not stop at the physician’s office, or after having a chemo/radiation session. Cancer patients need support and loving care from the moment they are diagnosed until there treatment journey ends. Caring for a loved one with Cancer

takes measurements of Strength, Compassion, Understanding and Self-Sacrifice.
Above all…When your loved one receives any bad news, no matter how upset it makes you, keep your emotions under control. You getting upset will only cause added stress on your loved one.
Recommendation of things you will need:

* You will need transportation to accompany your loved one to doctor/treatment appointments.
* A Medical Organizer to track and keep every aspect of there treatment journey.

This will be useful for everyone involved in your loved ones health care treatment.

* You may also want to consider a support group for all family members.

Each of us experience different emotions when dealing with a loved one who has Cancer. The emotions vary from, anger, depression, sadness and helplessness.

The Care Giving Process:

Always escort your loved one to every doctor appointment or treatment session.

Your loved one is counting on you not only for support, but to keep track of every aspect of there treatment. You will need to know all scheduled appointments, medications they are taking, medical insurance claims etc.

When a loved receives chemotherapy, it is important that someone stays with them to keep them encouraged. Chemo sessions can vary in length of time. You can spend the time talking, doing word puzzles etc. This will help them not to focus only on there treatment.

Have knowledge about Chemotherapy side effects so you will be prepared should your loved one experience. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue to name a few.

It is important to retain a positive outlook at all times when interacting with a loved one battling Cancer. Encourage them to talk about the future, help them make plans for a vacation once there treatment has ended. This will give them hope. It is a proven fact, a happy joyous spirit, filled with hope plays a major role in a person’s recovery process.

MedTrakker...Cancer Medical Organizer
www.MedTrakker.com

The Importance in Keeping Thorough Medical Records

Why the MedTrakker is a valuable resource tool for anyone battling Cancer…


It is extremely important to keep good medical records when receiving Cancer treatment care.
If you aren't up to doing this, get some help. Somebody needs to do these things. You need to keep all your medical records nice and organized for the following reasons:

•Save critical time in emergencies or when traveling.
•Avoid repetitive, costly testing when doctors don't have access to your records.
•Eliminate the difficulty of remembering important information.
•Review your medical history and records for accuracy.
•Accurate record keeping for filing taxes.
•Knowing that you’re in control gives you peace of mind.

When you talk to your doctor it is so much easier for you when you have your Cancer treatment all together in one place. The more complicated your history and your diagnosis, the more difficult it is to keep it all in your head.
By the careful organization of your Cancer treatment records and maintenance of a thorough medical history, you can avoid many drug reaction and drug allergy related problems when you are visiting a new doctor or hospitalized. It’s your health and it’s up to you to keep an accurate record. By preserving your medical information for future use your children will have a comprehensive background medical history to refer to.

Order a copy today for yourself or someone you love.
http://www.MedTrakker.com

Tips on Keeping Good Insurance Records

Insurance Record Tips

Medical insurance and bill management can be among the most frustrating aspects of cancer care for you and your caregivers. Most hospitals and clinics will provide a patient services representative to assist you. Identify these individuals and seek their help whenever necessary. Here are some additional things you can do to help:

Get a copy of your insurance policy and find out exactly what your coverage includes. Your employer or insurance company can help you with this.
Call your health insurance provider to clarify any questions that you have. Also make sure you are aware of any possible coverage issues before you start treatment.

Talk to your health care team to request that insurance coverage of any procedure, test, or treatment be verified prior to your receiving them. If your health care team is unable to provide this service, they should be able to identify an alternative resource to assist you.
Keep careful records of all your covered expenses, claims, denials, and appeals throughout the claims process. Do not throw away any correspondence.

Take notes during your conversations with insurance representatives. Include their names and job titles. Keep these notes with your records. If you think the representative is wrong, ask to speak with his or her supervisor.

If you have a claim that has been denied, talk with your health insurance provider to find out what steps you can take to appeal.

By keeping track of expenses and deducting qualified items on your tax returns, you may be able to partially recover some of the out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by your insurance.

Medical Costs on Your Tax Returns

Even with good insurance, people can incur many out-of-pocket expenses for treatment and follow-up care for cancer. One way to recoup some of these expenses is to do an itemized deduction of your medical and dental expenses on your tax return.

By keeping track of expenses and deducting qualified items on your tax returns, you may be able to partially recover some of the out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by your insurance.

For more information on deducting medical and dental expenses, look at Publication 502 and the instructions for Schedule A of Form 1040 at www.irs.gov, or see your accountant.

The 7.5% Rule

You are allowed to deduct only the amount of your medical and dental expenses greater than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. If your income is high or your expenses are low, you might not benefit from an itemized deduction of medical expenses.

Keeping an Insurance Discussion Record

Financial and Insurance issues can be stressful and confusing for you and
your caregivers. It is important to create an organized system for managing
this aspect of cancer care. By educating yourself about insurance benefits
and keeping organized financial records, you may prevent financial dilemmas
and, as a result, unnecessary stress.

There is a section in the MedTrakker that provides a place to keep a record of phone discussions with your insurance provider. This will enable you to record each call—the date; the insurance representative’s name, there job title, and phone number you called. In the “Notes” column, you can write specific information from the call. i.e. The question you asked, and the answer you received from the insurance rep.

Some patients find it helpful to designate a caregiver or family member to keep
track of all insurance and financial information. The choice is up to the individual.

www.MedTrakker.com

Fundraiser for LACO...A Cancer Support Community

I own and operate MedTrakker. I am an LACO partner as well. I individually design Cancer Medical Organizers for patients and caregivers. I have pledged to donate 10% of my proceeds on every purchase of the Cancer Organizer every month, for all of 2009 to LACO. They are in need of products to give to cancer patients and families that have been touched by cancer.

I have set up this fundraising event from MedTrakker to LACO as followed:
The cost of a Cancer Medical Organizer is $28.95 with SH & HL being $8.00. Total cost of an Organizer is $36.95

For every purchase of an Organizer, I will donate 10% of the proceeds to LACO. For any LACO member that gives me a referral which results in the purchasing of an organizer from a non-LACO member; I will donate an additional 3% of the proceeds to LACO.

MedTrakker has been in existence since 2006. The Cancer Medical Organizer is a valuable resource tool in every Cancer patient’s treatment journey.
Please visit my website for more details; you can also take a virtual tour of the Organizer once you arrive at my site.

This is how you can help. First Read below about LACO and all the ways there cause is helping people touched by Cancer. Then go have a look at the website. LACO is a legal organization that is registered in the State of Florida.

The Laugh at Cancer Organization Inc. is a non-profit organization that is helping families touched by cancer...directly or indirectly! LACO’s mission is to help all families facing cancer, touch and restore hope in families that have been devastated by this disease. The founder Crystal Kauffman and her talented staff have built several types of online support communities or networks for families in need of support and friendship. VISIT LACO at http://www.laughatcancer.com

Go to MedTrakker and place your order.


Please send all your family & friends to this blog so that they can help too.
Together we can make a difference in someone’s life that has been touched by Cancer.

JPCO name change...is now MedTrakker

JPCO has changed their business name. It is now MedTrakker. An all-in-one Cancer Medical Organizer to aid patients in tracking and organizing their treatment journey. New URL http://www.MedTrakker.com
The prior URL will redirect to MedTrakker site until March 1, 2010.

Amber Bowden
MedTrakker/Owner