There’s no question that health care can be quite expensive, especially if you don’t have great insurance (but you’re still paying for that too). For most people, the cost of a doctor’s visit or health-related emergency is usually the most stressful part of the entire experience.
I want to offer you a few little tidbits of advice that can help you save some money when it comes to your health. Some of these are as easy as simply asking a question, while others might take a little more effort. But in the end, isn’t having that extra money in your pocket worth it?
Shop Around
Don’t just go to the first medical professional you are referred to or that you find on Google. Do your research. Call different practices and inquire about the prices for the services you need. Find some places that take your insurance, take notes and do comparisons between each practice, also taking into consideration the reviews for each practice (because while you are looking to save money, you still want to find the best care for your needs).
This research, which might only take an hour or two of your time, could save you a few hundred dollars in the long run. I’d say that’s a win.
Be Your Own Advocate
Yes, your health care provider generally knows best and, ideally, should have your best interest in mind. But, especially if they are a specialized provider, they don’t always think of every possibility for treatment. Do research for different options of treatment for your condition and bring those up with your doctor. Sometimes it’s just a matter of asking about a less invasive, cost-saving procedure to put the idea in your doctor’s mind and get a good referral for that – rather than the extensive procedure they first had planned. You can find some really helpful information relating to natural remedies by checking out rollingpaper.com and other websites that discuss ways to tackle health issues without medication.
Get Regular Checkups
Regular checkups, whether for your dental care, women’s health, or simply an annual physical, can save you a lot in the long run – not just on the money side of things but on the mental/emotional front as well. Regular checkups are meant as preventative care. A checkup could be the difference between catching a condition early enough to stop it before an expensive procedure is necessary.
With dental care, this is especially important. According to FamilyDentalHealth.com, patients can have an advanced form of an oral disease without any negative signs. Going to the dentist regularly would allow you to get the care you need to prevent these conditions or at least allow your dentist to catch a disease early enough to take care of it and save you some money in the long run.
Pay With Cash
Many clinics, especially dental practices, offer a 10% discount if you pay cash in full after your appointment. This can really save you a good chunk of money if you have a lengthy procedure that needs to be done. If you have the cash available and your provider offers this discount, you should always opt for it. Save money where you can, right?
All it takes is a simple question. Just ask the billing department if they offer a cash discount. If they do – great! If not, you didn’t lose anything by asking.
Get a Second Opinion
This kind of goes in line with the previous suggestion. You don’t have to take your doctor’s word for law. They are only human, and most diagnoses are a matter of opinion, not fact. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about the diagnosis you were given by your provider, then seek out another doctor to give their opinion of your condition. This is especially common with dentists. One dentist might tell you that you have 6 cavities, while another might say you only have 2 – which make quite a difference in the overall cost.
We are so ingrained to stick with the same health care providers throughout our lives, but there’s no rule that says you can’t switch providers if you want to try someone new. You are not under a contract.
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