Saving Health Care Dollars

With advances in medical technology and lifesaving drugs and procedures, the cost of health care will continue to rise. By staying aware of how to stretch health care dollars,  you can help ensure continuing quality care.  For example:

Follow your health care provider’s directions to the letter. If you don’t you risk having to restart your treatment or a return to the clinic or hospital.

Ask questions. Make sure you understand treatment options, instructions and medications before you leave your health care provider’s office.

Get medical advice from your health care provider by telephone or e-mail when possible to avoid non-required office visits.

Know your financial obligations. Most health plans require that you pay a portion of the charges, in the form of deductibles, co-payments or coverage limitations. Use benefits wisely to save on your out-of-pocket costs.

Use one pharmacy to help track your prescriptions.

Take your medication as directed. Know why you need it, when and how to take it, potential side effects, and if it interacts with other drugs or supplements you use.

Check the rates at a nearby 24-hour urgent care clinics. They are generally lower than the hospital ER but probably more costly than visiting your health care provider.

Once your health care provider has diagnosed your health condition and prescribed a plan of care, the success of that plan depends largely on you.  Whether it is taking medicine correctly, losing weight or watching for symptoms, you are the one in charge