Consumer Driven Health
Consumer Driven Health Plans
Consumer Driven Health Care is a movement intended to make people aware of the need to make responsible and appropriate health care decisions.
It puts YOU in control over how your health care dollars are spent. Making wise decisions regarding health care benefits you, your family and your employer.
There are steps you can take to make sure that you are utilizing a responsible and appropriate amount of health care. Participating in employer sponsored health screenings or Wellness Programs and getting regular preventive check-ups are great examples of responsible consumer choices that positively affect the health care dollar.
Early detection of disease or being made aware of potential problems can reduce the amount of health care dollars you spend to treat them. Many consumer driven health plans have a higher level of benefits for preventive services.
A health risk assessment is a good tool to identify a potential problem. Many plans have disease management programs available to their members. Participation in these programs is a positive step towards managing your health and your health care dollars.
There are also resources like the Mayo Nurse Help line that give you access to health care professionals who are able to help you make informed health care decisions.
Simple ideas can have a tremendous impact on expenses
Limiting the amount of unhealthy behaviors we take part in, such as smoking, can lower the level of health care that we need.
Exercising on a regular basis or participating in Wellness initiatives through your employer can also reduce the need for health care services.
Visiting an Urgent Care Center is generally less expensive than a visit to the Emergency Room, but you still have access to quality health care.
Trying an over the counter medication or a generic is much more cost effective than starting out with the most expensive name brand drug, and many times just as effective! Ask HCMTI about the opportunity to split your pills – this could save you 50% on your prescription drugs!!
For non-emergent services, research the cost and quality of a provider before you incur any expenses with them. You may find that the cost of an outpatient surgical procedure is much less at a surgery center than it is at a hospital.
Internet Tools
Tools available on the internet allow you research cost and quality issues, so you can make informed decisions about providers before you are treated. The following links may be helpful with questions on Health Savings Accounts, Health Education and Cost and Quality issues.
HSA Education www.hsainsider.com
HSA Education www.naic.org
HSA Education www.healthdecisions.org
HSA Education www.heartland.org
Health Education www.pdrhealth.com
Health Education www.thehealthresource.com
Health Education www.medlineplus.gov
Health Education www.fda.gov/medwatch
Health Education www.drugs.com
Cost and Quality www.hospitalvictims.com
Cost and Quality www.ahd.com
Cost and Quality www.leapfroggroup.org
Cost and Quality www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov
Quality www.healthgrades.com