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DRUGS & MEDICAL SERVICES - Page 4

Doctors, Tests & Other Medical Services (continued)

e.  Like doctors, hospitals, clinics and labs have different rate structures.  Some are more costly than others, and most will charge insurance companies less than someone without insurance.  So, before undergoing any tests or procedures, understand what the cost is, and how much of the cost, if any, is covered by your insurance.  Once again, like doctors, certain medical facilities may be Preferred Providers and will cost you less to go to them.

f.   Some people are finding that they can save a tremendous amount of money by having major medical procedures done outside the United States.  Some popular countries offering U.S.-trained doctors at far lower rates are India and Thailand.  In many instances these procedures are about as safe as those performed in the U.S.  However, be careful you understand all the ramifications, risks and costs before embarking on this type of medical care.

g.  Before undergoing alternative treatments like acupuncture and chiropractic care, investigate if your insurance covers such services.  Also, shop around since prices will vary considerably.

h.  If you are looking for low-cost dental care try a dental clinic open to the public .  Or if you are near a dental school ask them what services they may be able to provide. In either case, costs are bound to be lower.

i.   If you need expensive medical equipment, try buying used equipment at a much lower cost.  Call up medical equipment suppliers, or contact a religious organization or senior center.  

5.     Eye care is generally considered separate from doctor’s visits.  Consider the following ways to save.

a.  Most eye care and evaluations can be performed by an optometrist, which is usually far less expensive than going to an eye doctor called an ophthalmologist. Optometrist’s are schooled to evaluate the need for corrective eyewear, as well as test for and recognize eye diseases.  If an eye disease or injury  is detected they will refer you to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.  So, for regular eye exams, try an optometrist.

b.  Corrective glasses or lenses can be purchased from your optometrist.  Usually, eyewear from your optometrist’s office is relatively high priced.  However, if your optometrist is connected with a large seller of eyewear, prices may be a bit more competitive.  In any case, ask if they can give you a discount on those expensive frames or contacts.  Also, make sure options, such as scratch-proof coating, UV protection, etc. are necessary, and whether they can be included at no additional charge.  If you want to buy your glasses or contacts elsewhere, your optometrist will give you your sight correction prescription if you ask.  You can fill it wherever you want.

c.  If you wear contacts, you might consider ordering them when they are on sale at various department or other stores.  Costco can also be a good place to buy contacts, as well as other discount stores that sell eyewear.  Or you might consider ordering them over the Internet for lower pricing.  Just make sure to give yourself enough time to receive your contacts.  And make sure to consider shipping charges, if any.

d.  If you are like many people, the only correction to vision that is needed is for reading.  Instead of buying those expensive frames and glasses, consider trying some inexpensive reading glasses available at drug stores and department stores like Walmart.  They look fine and may work very well.  Ask your optometrist if these will work, and what amount of correction you may want to consider.  Or just try them on at the store and see what works.  Instead of paying $75-$150 for glasses, you will be spending $10-$15.

Hospital Charges

Hospital stays are very expensive.  While there is not a lot you can do to reduce costs, there are some actions you can take.  Consider the following:

1.     First of all, make sure you really need to be admitted to a hospital.  Ask your doctor if the procedure can be done at their office, or on an outpatient basis.

2.     Before you are admitted to the hospital, make sure you know how long the hospital stay is expected to be.  When in the hospital, if you are progressing well, ask if you can go home early.  Sometimes you can easily save an extra day’s hospital stay just by asking to be released.  And make sure you know what time of the day to be released in order to avoid an extra day’s charges.

3.     If you have a choice, compare the costs of different hospitals.  Room rates can vary considerably.  Also inquire about saving money with a semi-private room, if available. You may also want to compare how patients rate hospitals at HospitalCompare.hhs.gov, a new free service provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

4.     See if you can check into the hospital on the morning of the procedure, rather than the night before to try to save a day’s stay.

5.     Check with your doctor and refuse any tests the hospital normally gives as part of their admittance procedure, if they are not necessary.

6.     If you are having a baby, make sure you know if there is an extra charge for having the baby spend time in the nursery, versus staying in your room.

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