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Organizing Medical Records & Paperwork

Tips for Managing the Never Ending Mountain of Medical Paperwork & Files

Managing medical bills, keeping track of doctor visits, filing insurance claims, and organizing medical records can all leave you feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few tips that can make managing TMJ disorder, or any chronic illness easier – and might stop you from pulling out your hair!

Records that are important to keep:

  • Medical Bills
  • Records of phone calls, emails and letters from doctors and insurers
  • Insurance claims forms including claims filed, reimbursements, and explanations of benefits.
  • Records of hospital stays, treatments, procedures, exams, lab tests, drugs prescribed and prescriptions filled.

Doctor Visits & Hospital Stays – What to Keep Track Of

Keep a log that includes:
1. Medical appointments
2. Prescriptions filled
3. Lab work
4. Procedures

Whether you have insurance or not, this is an important thing to do. Keeping logs of appointments, prescriptions, procedures (and their costs) will help you when the bill comes around. Hospitals are notorious for including charges for things you didn’t even use. If you’re in the hospital, don’t rely on your memory to record the medications, tests, and procedures you have. If you can, assign a family member or friend to be your advocate…they can record everything for you so that it’s much easier to ask questions (and to talk with the insurance company if you have a dispute).Read More »Tips for Managing the Never Ending Mountain of Medical Paperwork & Files

How to Choose the Right TMJ Dentist or Doctor

Choosing the Right TMJ Disorder Doctor – Part One

First, if you have not had a chance to read part one of this series, here is a summary of it:TMJ Disorder Doctors Part One

  • Research your area – Make a list of all the doctors near you that could be candidates.
  • Prioritize your needs – What qualities are important to you in a doctor?
  • Verify credentials
  • Interview doctors
  • Evaluate – Is this the right doctor for you?
  • Choose your doctor!

Choosing the Right TMJ Disorder Dentist or Doctor – Part Two
TMJ Disorder Dentist How to Choose
A healthy Doctor / Patient relationship is in many ways like other relationships, with negotiations and compromises. The big difference is that all negotiations and compromises need to be made with the patients best interest in mind. Having a clear idea of what you want to get out of your visit will help your doctor make the most of your visit.
Points to Remember:

  • Your impression of the receptionist and other staff is important. It often reflects the attitude of the doctors.
  • If after the interview you feel uncomfortable, follow your gut, and don’t hesitate to interview someone else on your list.
  • If you have multiple health problems, is your doctor able to handle the entire situation? or is he or she a specialist?
  • Does the doctor see many TMJD patients?
  • Get a second or third opinion if you are unsure about anything that your doctor recommends.

Read More »How to Choose the Right TMJ Dentist or Doctor