The cost of
healthcare can wreak havoc on your budget if you're not careful. Sometimes a
few simple changes can help ensure you don't spend more than you need to on
medical treatment.
Avoid the emergency room Reserve trips to the emergency room for true
emergencies. If you've got an earache, sore throats, or common cold, skip the
emergency room. Go to an urgent care facility or schedule an appointment with
your primary care doctor and save hundreds of dollars.
Call around for prices If you've got a high deductible or don't have any
health insurance, call around for prices before you seek treatment. Not only do the prices for doctor visits vary, the cost of services,
such as lab work, X-rays and diagnostic testing can range from one
facility to the next.
Look for free or low cost clinics Many communities have free or low-cost clinics. Look for
healthcare clinics that offer a sliding scale. This means you may pay just a
small percentage of medical fees based on your income.
Get flu shots at the pharmacy When it's time for your flu shot save money by
getting your flu shot at a local pharmacy. Some communities have flu shot
clinics as well where you can receive your shot for a fraction of the price
Take advantage of free medical screenings Sometimes hospitals or organizations offer free
medical screenings. When organizations conduct free screenings, they often test
participants' blood pressure or cholesterol for free. Free screenings can also
help you identify your risk factors. For example, a cardiovascular health
screening may offer the community information about how to identify their risk
factors for heart disease. Knowing your risk levels for major diseases can help
you become proactive in preventing health problems.
Ask about medication assistance There are many programs available to help people pay
for prescriptions. Your doctor may be willing to prescribe a generic drug or
similar drug that can save you a lot of money. You can also ask your doctor
about any programs that drug companies may offer. Many prescription manufacturers offer programs
to help people cover the costs of prescriptions when they lack insurance
coverage.
Review your medical bills Ask for detailed copies of your medical bills. Sometimes
medical bills include costly errors so it is important to review each charge on
a line-by-line basis. If you discover any discrepancies, contact the hospital
or doctor's office immediately to get your bill corrected.
Educate yourself Stay informed about any insurance benefits, healthcare costs and
preventative care needs. When you're educated about your healthcare and the
costs, you're more likely to be able to save money and avoid overpaying for
services.
About the Author: Amy Morin writes about psychology
and healthcare topics such as physician reputation.
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