Keep a health journal

Maintain a health journal to help keep track of your health care issues and costs.

In the journal, keep track of:

• Dates and times of visits to doctors and specialists
• Specific procedures and tests that took place
• Other recommended procedures and tests
• Medications prescribed

Weeks or months down the road, you can check your journal against any bills that you receive and make sure that you were not overcharged for services. The journal can also reduce the likelihood of duplicate tests/procedures at different visits.

The journal can also potentially come in handy at tax time. If your health care expenses add up to a significant amount, you may be entitled to a tax credit.