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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Breast Cancer In Situ: Managing Your Medical Care: Diagnosis To Treatment Decision

Tools That Will Make The Process Easier

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Just like we used to show up in school with necessary personal tools, this is a good time to consider the following:

Getting Organized

Putting things in order in the beginning will save you a lot of time and possibly money later on when you may not be feeling as well as you do now.

  • Create or obtain a medical binder where you can store your medical records and other health related information. (See "To Learn More.")
  • Think about the best place to store your copy of your health insurance correspondence.  (Survivorship A to Z provides information about how to get organized if needed. See "To Learn More.") 
  • While you are at it, be sure your important papers are stored in the correct place. (We tell you how in "To Learn More.")

Get access to the Internet

The internet has become an important tool for both communication and obtaining information. 

  • The internet provides easy access to most doctors (more and more doctors are communicating with patients by e-mail).
  • The internet provides a means of obtaining support, both through support groups and to connect people in a similar situation one-on-one.
  • Health condition, treatment and side effect information is available on the internet. 
  • If you cannot afford to buy even a low end computer, you can rent one, or rent a computer and time as needed at an Internet Cafe. Many libraries provide free access to the internet. (Keep in mind that a lot of web sites do not have correct information, or information which is biased to the owner of the site. See Survivorship A to Z information about how to do medical research on the internet for more information. See "To Learn More.") 

If you cannot afford to buy even a low end computer, you can rent one, or rent a computer and time as needed at an Internet Cafe. Many libraries provide free access to the internet. 

Buy Or Rent

  • An inexpensive tape or digital recorder so you can record sessions with your doctor and replay them later. (Be sure to get the doctor's consent before recording any session). NOTE: Before buying, check your mobile phone. It may have recording capabilities.
  • A fax machine or other inexpensive mechanism which allows you to receive and send medical and other reports.

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