Create a provider list
Record each provider, visit date, reason for the visit, and any follow-up instruction. Keep diagnoses as written in records rather than rewriting them from memory.
Separate bills from insurance notices
Keep provider bills, explanations of benefits, receipts, and payment records in separate groups so amounts billed, allowed, and paid are not confused.
Track work effects with source records
Save written restrictions, schedules, pay records, and employer correspondence. Avoid using rough totals when the underlying documents are available.
Questions about this step
Should I create my own medical summary?
A dated index can help, but keep the source records and do not replace clinical wording with your own diagnosis.
What if a bill appears twice?
Keep both documents but note the apparent duplicate so it can be checked rather than silently removed.