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

Breast Cancer Patients Suffering Side Effects from Hormone Therapy Have Reduced Risk of Recurrence

Patients with hormone-positive breast cancer who are treated with hormone therapy and suffer from joint or vasomotor symptoms (contracting or dilating of blood vessels that can affect nerves and muscles) have a reduced risk of a recurrence.

These results were recently published in the Lancet Oncology. Hormone-positive breast cancer refers to cancer that is stimulated to grow from exposure to the female hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. Women with hormone-positive breast cancer most often undergo therapy with hormone therapy or endocrine therapy, a type of therapy in which the cancer cell's exposure to these hormones is drastically reduced. This decreases the growth-stimulus of cancer cells and significantly reduces the risk of recurrences among these patients.

Common side effects associated with endocrine therapy may include hot flashes, night sweats, and joint symptoms, many of which are a result of lowered estrogen levels in the body. Researchers from the United Kingdom recently conducted a study to evaluate outcomes among women treated with either tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) or Arimidex® (anastrozole) who experience side effects associated with these therapies. The study includes review of data from the ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) trial, a large trial that included postmenopausal women with hormone-positive early breast cancer who were treated with either Arimidex or tamoxifen.

At nine years follow-up, the following data was reported: Recurrence rates were reduced by 11.4% among women who developed new vasomotor and joint symptoms within the first three months of hormone therapy compared with those who did not develop these side effects. Among women who only developed joint symptoms, recurrence rates were reduced by 10%. Among women who only developed vasomotor symptoms, recurrence rates were reduced by 6%. The researchers stated that the potential role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) used to reduce side effects was not adequately studied to determine if NSAIDs played a role in recurrence reductions. They also stated that these results may provide important incentive for women who are experiencing these side effects to continue their medication.

To keep track of your Cancer Treatment in an all-in-one easy to use Cancer Medical Treatment Organizer.

Please visit http://www.MedTrakker.com to order a copy of the Cancer Medical Organizer.

Helping to make your life easier,
Because you have enough to worry about!!

Managing Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Because cancer cells grow and divide rapidly, many anti-cancer treatments (including chemotherapy and radiation) are made to kill fast-growing cells. But certain normal, healthy cells also grow quickly and treatments can affect these cells too. When it does, side effects may result. The fast-growing, normal cells most likely to be affected are blood cells forming in the bone marrow, cells in the digestive track, reproductive system and hair follicles. Side effects are also very unique to the type of treatment you are receiving. You may experience none, some or many problems in this section, depending on your treatment, your individual reaction to the treatment and your overall health status.

Most normal cells recover quickly when treatment is over, so most side effects gradually disappear after treatment ends. The time it takes to recover varies from person to person. When you are undergoing cancer therapy treatments you will need to take care of yourself to support the effectiveness of treatment and minimize side effects. The aim of this article is to help you manage the more common problems or side effects that may occur while under your physicians care during your treatment.

• Managing Pain... Cancer patients may have pain for a variety of reasons. It may be due to the effects of the cancer itself, or it could result from treatment methods. Remember that not all people with cancer have pain, and those who do are not in pain all the time.

•Ways to Help You Cope with Pain
• Take your pain medication as directed by your doctor. If they do not work, go back to your doctor and tell him/her.
• Get enough rest, space out your activities
• Use heat or cold applications
• Use relaxation therapy
• Distractions, e.g. TV, movies
• Guided imagery or visualization
• Physical Therapy

• Nausea & Vomiting - Nausea is the feeling of an upset stomach which may or may not be associated with vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are usually short-term symptoms experienced during the first week after receiving chemotherapy. Your physician will order medications to control nausea and vomiting.
• What You Can Do To Control Nausea and Vomiting?
• Drink cool or room temperature liquids between meals such as: Gatorade, lemonade, cola, a Popsicle, tea, 7-Up, cranberry juice, apple juice, ginger ale.
• Eat bland foods, either cold or at room temperature, such as: dairy products (if not lactose intolerant), cottage cheese, yogurt, cereal, watermelon, crackers, toast, mashed potatoes, cantaloupe, and sherbet.
• Frequently eat small meals in a quiet, relaxed setting.
• Brush your teeth before and after each meal.
• Frequently rinse your mouth with cool water, mint flavored water or a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water.
• Do not eat fried, spicy or rich foods.
• Do not cook or eat foods with strong aromas.

• Hair Loss...Hair loss, or alopecia, varied from slight thinning to complete loss of hair. The loss of hair may include scalp, facial, axillary, pubic and body hair. Radiation therapy may cause hair loss in the area that is treated. Loss of hair occurs over a period of days or weeks. When the hair does grow back, frequently there is a change in the color or texture. Regrowth usually occurs in six to eight weeks after completion of therapy. Not all chemotherapy or radiation will cause hair loss.
• What You Can Do About Hair Loss?
• Use gentle protein-based shampoo such as Johnsons Baby Shampoo, followed by a cream rinse or conditioner every three to five days to keep your hair in good condition.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly and pat dry gentle to avoid damaging your hair.
• Turbans, hats and scarves are attractive alternatives to wigs and hairpieces. Choose a color and style that you are most comfortable with.
• Before hair loss occurs, you may need to see a professional who can assist you in selecting a wig that closely matches your hairstyle and color. Early consultation can ease your mind before you start your treatment.
• Limit the use of hair clips, barrettes, elastic bands, bobby pins, hair sprays, dyes, permanents, blow dryers, hot rollers and curling irons. • When outdoors, cover your head to prevent heat loss and sunburn
• Your insurance company may cover the cost of a hairpiece.

• Diarrhea...Diarrhea is the frequent passage of soft or liquid bowel movements. Diarrhea is usually easily controlled by medications. Your physician will order medications to control diarrhea.
• What You Can Do To Control Diarrhea?
• Eat foods which are warm or at room temperature.
• Frequently eat small meals in a quiet, relaxed setting.
• Eat foods high in protein and calories to replace the nutrients lost through diarrhea. Foods high in protein and calories include: eggs, asparagus*, fish, tofu, white bread, cheese, peas, banana*, white rice, cream soups, buttermilk, halibut*, noodles, tapioca, baked potato*, custard, poultry, avocado, smooth peanut butter, macaroni, applesauce*, yogurt, carrots*
•* foods high in potassium diarrhea may also cause you to lose potassium
•To restore energy, rest when you feel tired and after each meal. Drink eight glasses of liquids every day to maintain bowel regularity and prevent dehydration.
Liquids to include: Gatorade, pasteurized apple juice, gelatin, weak tea, grape juice, non-carbonated beverages, All Sport, Hydra Fuel, Recharge.

There are many other categories in the "Managing Side Effects", chapter of the Cancer Treatment Organizer such as; Chewing and Swallowing, Fatigue & Weakness, Taste Impairment, Bleeding, Constipation, Dryness of the Mouth, Mouth Sores and Sexuality (For Men and Women).

In the Managing Side Effects chapter I even include wonderful recipes that are quick and easy for you to make in aiding in some of the side effects that may occur during the course of your Cancer Treatment.
• Mouth Soreness Smoothie
• Mouth-Soothing Capsaicin Taffy
• Recipe for Dry or sore Mouth (Jell-o)
• Recipe for controlling Diarrhea (Rice Congee)
• Recipe for Diarrhea (Cover Tea)
• Recipe for Nausea (Ginger Tea)

Please visit our website for detailed information. Click on Table of Contents for insight to what is in the organizer, you can also click on "MedTrakker Tour" for slide pics of the Organizer. www.MedTrakker.com

Quote: "Helping To Make Life Easier, Because You Have Enough To Worry About"!

Benefits of Having The "MedTrakker" (Cancer Medical Organizer)

I design Personal Cancer Medical Organizers. Cancer touches most of us directly or indirectly through a loved one, friend or co-worker. I know when my Mother was diagnosed with Leukemia; the paperwork alone was over-whelming, different Doctor Appointments, lab schedules, Dr.'s phone numbers. There were little pieces of paper scattered throughout her home.

My goal is to spread the word about the Organizer to help relieve the over-whelming paperwork that Patients and Care-Givers receive. I have designed each section of the MedTrakker to fit the needs of every Cancer patient. Please share my website If you know of anyone who could benefit from having the Organizer.

What will the MedTrakker do for Patients?
It will keep essential, authoritative information in a simple, easy to use format. It is small enough to take to Doctor Appointments, to the Emergency Room, and when traveling.
If you have to go to the Emergency Room, either locally or when travelling, the Doctor's may not have easy access to your medical information. While electronic medical records are useful, you can't take them with you to your doctor(s) appointments, and you can't take them with you when you are traveling.
Having this book, filled in with your medical information, could help attending physicians to be able to rapidly diagnose and treat you more accurately. What’s in the MedTrakker?
Important Contacts
Health and Treatment History
Appointment Calendars
Sample Blood Count Chart
Progress Blood Count Charts
Information on Complete Blood Counts
Managing Side Effects
Insurance Tips
Nutritional Support Recipes Included
Physical Support
Motivational Support

"Helping To Make Life Easier, Because you have enough to worry about!"
www.MedTrakker.com