Organization is key in infertility

In the past month, I've received five medical bills in error. I've been able to dispute each bill thanks to my obsessive compulsive tendency to organize and document every single thing that we've done so far. Anyways, I thought I'd share some tips for keeping track of things during one's infertility journey. I hope this is as helpful for some of you as it has been for me!

Tip #1: Use a calendar to keep track of every single doctor's appointment, lab work, hospital procedure, and surgery. Even if it's just a routine blood draw or ultrasound -- mark it down. If you are accidentally billed later, you can easily see whether or not you had an appointment that day. (Once you get into IUI, IVF, FET, etc. you have a lot of appointments and it might not seem worth it to note every date/time, but it totally benefits you when the lab sends you a bill months later for something and you can't recall if you were even in the office that day.)

Tip #2: Get a receipt for everything and save them! Purchase a folder or binder and save every single receipt, including doctor's visits, procedures, and prescriptions. I've been billed by my doctor's office for a co-pay that I knew I had paid a month prior. Having documentation on hand to dispute claims is so crucial. It makes your life and the other parties' so much easier.

Tip #3: Don't be afraid to question any bills. I had a couple of bills that I was about to just write a check for and forget about it. However, my gut told me I didn't owe anything, so I pulled out my folder of documentation and made some phone calls. It takes a little time on the phone (or in the office), but in each case, my issue was resolved within about 15 minutes thanks to my handy notebook!

Tip #4: Document every phone call you make regarding any of the above disputes. Keep a calendar or notebook and be sure to write down why you called, who you talked to, and the date and time. This makes any follow-up calls much easier when you can need to dispute anything further -- or need additional information.

Tip #5: Keep a journal and write in it after each doctor's visit. Being able to look back at your infertility journey, and all procedures and protocols you've been through makes it easier to discuss next steps with your current and/or new physician. I keep track of the date of every procedure, who I spoke with on the phone for follow-up instructions, results of ultrasounds and bloodwork, etc.

B's Method: I created a "TTC Journal" document in Google Drive. It's easily accessible from all devices so that I can update it or pull it up on my phone when I'm at the doctor's office. Easy peasy!

The accordion folder pictured above is my favorite way of keeping track of everything. Mine is broken down into the following sections:

• Office visits and procedures (receipts)
• Prescriptions (receipts)
• Informational pamphlets
• Insurance documentation
• Small paper calendar

What other tips do you all have for keeping organized during your treatments? 

Please share in the comments!