Childhood Cancer

Childhood Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Chapter 21: Medical and Financial Record-keeping

Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; and adversity is not without comfort and hopes.

— Francis Bacon

KEEPING TRACK OF voluminous paper work—both medical and financial—is a trial for every parent of a child with cancer; but keeping accurate records prevents medical errors and reduces insurance overbillings. Checking results of tests allows parents to identify changes in lab reports that might otherwise go unnoticed and untreated. Having easy access to medical reports and properly organizing bills can also mean less time spent in conflicts with insurance companies and collection agencies. This chapter suggests a few basic systems for keeping both medical and financial records.