Patient Advocacy: Healthcare on your side
by Martine G. Brousse,
Healthcare
Specialist, Patient Advocate, Certified Mediator
ADVIMEDPRO
Save on medical costs:
Alternative Options*
As I negotiate down expensive
facility bills for my clients, or fight insurance companies for higher
reimbursements, I am often struck by the number of patients who thought the ER
or the specialist's office were their only choices. Minor episodes end up
costing thousands of dollars, when more affordable options were available.
Consider these options:
Please note this is given for informative purposes only, does not
intend to provide or constitute medical care or advise. It neither endorses nor
promotes any mentioned service or provider.
ALWAYS call 911 or go the
Emergency Room if you are having a life-threatening emergency or if your health
may be at serious risk by delaying care.
1.
Urgent Care Centers
Staffed
by MDs, they treat less severe emergencies that require immediate attention. Services
include sutures, prescribing medications, chronic condition management, health evaluations, imaging, stabilization
until your next doctor appointment and more.
Urgent
care centers are found in many cities and neighborhoods. Appointments are not
necessary.
2. Retail Health Clinics
Addressing minor concerns such as
allergic reactions, minor infections, wound care and skin conditions, they are
staffed with nurse practitioners licensed to prescribe medications and perform
simple medical procedures. This is a good alternative to a doctor's visit for general
and school health exams or for vaccinations.
Located in drugstore chains (i.e.
CVS) or retail stores (i.e. Wal-Mart), they contract with most major insurers.
Their services are fairly priced.
3. Nurse helpline
This free service, staffed by
nurses 24/7, from your insurance can save you the cost of a doctor's visit.
Find the number on your card or on the insurance website.
Call to determine if you need to
go to the ER, to find the nearest "in network" urgent care, to ask
what remedy is best for minor symptoms, to treat an illness or to get first aid steps that do not require the ER.
These nurses can provide answers when the office is closed, help coordinate medical
care if you are away from home, or order urgent prescription refills when your
doctor is unavailable.
4. Free or low cost clinics
Offering a variety of services, they should not be your first
choice in case of an emergency. Administered by the County, privately run or
belonging to teaching universities and hospitals (services are rendered by
students under the supervision of fully-experienced doctors), waits can be long
but prices worth a look.
Some
specialize in a specific illness (HIV/AIDS clinics) or services (women's health clinics). Exams, prescriptions, tests and
more are provided at significant savings.
5.
Labs
Depending on the test, you may
need to consult your Dr first. Many common tests can be obtained without a
prescription, or at a lower cash cost than in the office, directly from these labs:
6. Chiropractors
If you have a minor sport injury or joint pain, or want to avoid surgery, consulting a chiropractor is
a less costly option than an orthopedic MD. Specializing in bones, muscles and
joints, they use more conservative, less drastic treatment methods (spinal
manipulations, physical therapy, medical massages) to get you back in shape.
They can order scans and limited labs. Expect to pay $ 50.00 to $ 100.00 per visit
(including all modalities). This is often a covered insurance benefit.
7. Pharmacists
Ask the pharmacist at your local
drugstore or pharmacy for a recommendation on what over the counter remedy is
best for minor ailments, to check on possible negative interaction with current
prescriptions, or advise on a minor allergic reaction. Local and
chain pharmacies also offer low cost flu shots, and other vaccinations.
8. Online
An increase in the number of online MD visits has been
observed, and is likely to continue this upward trend. Sites such as
www.memd.me, www.interactivemd.com or the-online-doctor.com propose virtual
encounters for set prices, and at convenient times for patients.
In Conclusion:
Remember to ask any healthcare
provider or clinic you may consult if they are part of your insurance network.
Choosing one who is contracted with your insurer will significantly lower your cost. You may need to send the bill directly to your insurer; getting a
"superbill" (specialized medical bill) is essential. If you are
self-pay, this receipt or statement will be useful come tax season.
Never jeopardize your health
by denying yourself access to urgent or necessary medical care whenever
necessary. Though more limited after the
facts, solutions can still be found to help lower high medical bills.
* Previously seen on NerdWallet
© [2016] Advimedpro.
© [2016] Martine G. Brousse.
All rights reserved.
My objective is to offer you, the patient, concrete and beneficial information, useful tips, proven and efficient tools as well as trustworthy supportive advice as you deal with a system in the midst of sweeping adjustments, widespread misunderstandings and complex requirements.
AdvimedPro (424) 999 4705 or (877) 658 9446 fax (424) 226 1330
No comments:
Post a Comment