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Even with insurance, visits to the doctor can be extremely expensive. While we’d like to pay a visit every time we feel a tickle in our throats, it just isn’t feasible with co-pay and prescription costs.
Fortunately, there are many cost-conscious ways to stay healthy and keep your wallet full. Follow these tips to minimize your doctor visits and medication costs.
The same brand of prescription medication may differ in cost between two neighboring pharmacies, so do some research before you purchase.
The same goes for lab tests and procedures performed by hospitals and clinics; you may be paying more than you need to for the same quality.
Ask Questions over the Phone
Depending on who your doctor is, he may consider answering your questions and concerns over the phone to save you a visit. He may suggest using a particular thermometer to accurately measure temperature for fevers or recommend other simple solutions to ease your mind.
If you have a preexisting condition and have been on a consistent medication, he may even be able to fill your prescription right over the phone.
Look into Generics
Ask your doctor about the generic version of any medications he wants to prescribe you. There may be an over-the-counter variation that will cost you significantly less.
Also, choose a doctor that will be honest with you about what other medication options you have, rather than trying to make money by encouraging a specific brand.
Search Web MD
For minor ailments, WebMD.com is the perfect stop to check your symptoms and see what measures you can take to alleviate them.
It’s free and easy to use, but don’t rely on it entirely (especially if the problem seems serious).
Try Mail-Order Medications
Some monthly or consistent medications can be ordered in 90-day quantities and delivered by mail. This is usually a much more cost-effective option than going through the pharmacies.
Not all medicines apply, but most forms of birth control and other risk-free medications do.
Check Bills for Mistakes
Mistakes happen pretty often in the billing process, so it doesn’t hurt to check for them. If you do find that there has been an error and that you’ve been charged too much, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor about it.
Chances are, you can save yourself a significant amount of money and trouble by keeping your eyes peeled.
Be Healthy
This is an obvious tip, but it’s worth the reminder when it comes to saving money in the health department. By encouraging your family to maintain healthy lifestyles, you’ll avoid frequent doctor’s visits and all the other pains that come with sickness in the household.
A naturopath in Scottsdale recommends that “In order to keep your family healthy, you need to make sure everyone eats well, drinks plenty of water, and gets enough exercise during the week.”
While these tips can help you save plenty of money in the long run, there are times when it’s okay to stop worrying about how much a doctor visit is going to cost.
If something is truly wrong, or a child is suffering symptoms you don’t understand, by all means, visit the doctor. While it’s nice to save money on the small stuff, doing everything you can to keep your family healthy and safe is priceless.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
This is a really helpful list! My favorite is the mail-order prescriptions. At first it seems like a hassle to set them up, but it really saves money, and is so convenient to not have to go to the pharmacy every month.
Also, I used to be a benefits manager for a corporation and when employees had problems with their insurance, I would help them call the insurance provider and sort it out. I was amazed and appalled at how many clerical errors we fixed to save the employees money. It never hurts to call your insurance and go through the statement with a fine-tooth comb to see if there are any errors that result in overcharges. Time-consuming and frustrating, but so worth it!
Very good points. The one that should be stressed the most is eating habits. Give up the fast food places. I have completely changed my eating habits and as a result I am rarely sick.
I have to use a mail-order pharmacy since my insurance doesn’t give the option of using an in-town place for maintenance medication. The last doctor’s office I went to acted like they’d never sent a form into an online pharmacy. It was a comedy of errors.
I have never tried an online pharmacy before. I need to do that sometime. I also need to try those contact ordering places. I wonder if they are any cheaper than Walmart contacts.
Thank you for sharing lots of good ideas. I for one am a strong advocate of staying healthy through proper eating, exercise and sleep habits. But no matter what we do and how we live our lives there will be times when a visit to the doctor is unavoidable. I have 3 girls that are quite athletic and we’ve had to deal with injuries. When it comes to medication I always ask for the generic version if available, though I prefer a natural, herbal solution. There are so many choices and great resources for those as well and I find they have much fewer side effects than conventional medicine. More than anything I completely agree with your final statement that “to keep your family healthy and safe is priceless.”
Six and seven work for me! One year in checking a bill from my primary care physician I saw I was being billing (mistakenly) for an EKG before I had it! And I research as much as I can with the wonderful access to MedMD and MayoClinic. We can’t expect the docs to know everything and it really serves us to be prepared with knowledge.
OMG yes. The worst thing you can do is just pay your bill without looking at it for mistakes. I think they pay some intern to fudge in errors just to scrape a few more bucks. Just ridiculous.
Thanks for these tips, a good awaking for us.
And, great to meet you through Bloggers Helping Bloggers.
I love my Dr’s online EMR and messaging system. I have trouble getting through on the phone but have much success with essentially emailing them. I go with generics for everything but my GERD medication since nothing else helps.
When I read posts like these, I’m so glad I live in Canada, where we don’t have these worries! However, for those who prefer naturopath and holistic remedies, many of these tips would be very helpful. The internet is also a good resource, as long as it’s used judiciously. And of course, the best practice is simply staying healthy by making the right choices every day!
Maybe our health system will be like Canadas one day. Never know. Yes, people often forget their body is their temple and they need to do everything possible to protect it and keep it in good running order.
These are great tips and especially meaningful to me…who has just lost my insurance due to our new health care law. I have also been successful negotiating the insurance “rate” by just simply asking and telling them that the procedure not covered by insurance. By far the best tip is to be pro-active and stay healthy!
Sorry to hear that about your insurance. Yes, it is great to talk to the doctor offices when you are having problems paying or insurance issues. I often find they are very willing to help you out as long as you talk to them.
Fantastic post, Melanie, and one that all of should always be aware of with the costs. I like your last point is to flat out take care of your health as best you can. And my pharmacist has been awesome always since I’ve gone there (20+ years) to always use generic drugs. Huge savings there. That applies to otc medicine as well! 🙂
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Why Make A Regular Family Album When You Can Make A Yearbook
I am always looking for ways to save on anything medical related! It can really add up!
I know what you mean – medical bills always tact on so much!
This is a really helpful list! My favorite is the mail-order prescriptions. At first it seems like a hassle to set them up, but it really saves money, and is so convenient to not have to go to the pharmacy every month.
Also, I used to be a benefits manager for a corporation and when employees had problems with their insurance, I would help them call the insurance provider and sort it out. I was amazed and appalled at how many clerical errors we fixed to save the employees money. It never hurts to call your insurance and go through the statement with a fine-tooth comb to see if there are any errors that result in overcharges. Time-consuming and frustrating, but so worth it!
Yes, it is very worth especially with all the new insurance laws and such. We need to keep our money where it belongs – in our own pockets.
Very good points. The one that should be stressed the most is eating habits. Give up the fast food places. I have completely changed my eating habits and as a result I am rarely sick.
Great tip! I have not given up fast food but I don’t think we eat it all the time. It comes in handy on road trips.
I have to use a mail-order pharmacy since my insurance doesn’t give the option of using an in-town place for maintenance medication. The last doctor’s office I went to acted like they’d never sent a form into an online pharmacy. It was a comedy of errors.
I have never tried an online pharmacy before. I need to do that sometime. I also need to try those contact ordering places. I wonder if they are any cheaper than Walmart contacts.
Thank you for sharing lots of good ideas. I for one am a strong advocate of staying healthy through proper eating, exercise and sleep habits. But no matter what we do and how we live our lives there will be times when a visit to the doctor is unavoidable. I have 3 girls that are quite athletic and we’ve had to deal with injuries. When it comes to medication I always ask for the generic version if available, though I prefer a natural, herbal solution. There are so many choices and great resources for those as well and I find they have much fewer side effects than conventional medicine. More than anything I completely agree with your final statement that “to keep your family healthy and safe is priceless.”
It is priceless! My husband had the flu last week and luckily none of the kids or myself got it. Fingers crossed.
Six and seven work for me! One year in checking a bill from my primary care physician I saw I was being billing (mistakenly) for an EKG before I had it! And I research as much as I can with the wonderful access to MedMD and MayoClinic. We can’t expect the docs to know everything and it really serves us to be prepared with knowledge.
Over from LinkedIn group BHB
That’s crazy they tried to charge you for that. Guess they are trying to keep you on your toes.
Hi Krystle,
OMG yes. The worst thing you can do is just pay your bill without looking at it for mistakes. I think they pay some intern to fudge in errors just to scrape a few more bucks. Just ridiculous.
Thanks for these tips, a good awaking for us.
And, great to meet you through Bloggers Helping Bloggers.
Cheers,
Greg
I agree. I just got a dentist bill that wasn’t what it should be. Apparently it was some insurance technicality that screwed me.
I love the “Be Healthy” tip the most out of all the ones mentioned.
Yes, — take that vitamin C 🙂
I love my Dr’s online EMR and messaging system. I have trouble getting through on the phone but have much success with essentially emailing them. I go with generics for everything but my GERD medication since nothing else helps.
I’m glad that works for you! I just do a lot of research online unless I feel like death.
When I read posts like these, I’m so glad I live in Canada, where we don’t have these worries! However, for those who prefer naturopath and holistic remedies, many of these tips would be very helpful. The internet is also a good resource, as long as it’s used judiciously. And of course, the best practice is simply staying healthy by making the right choices every day!
Maybe our health system will be like Canadas one day. Never know. Yes, people often forget their body is their temple and they need to do everything possible to protect it and keep it in good running order.
These are great tips and especially meaningful to me…who has just lost my insurance due to our new health care law. I have also been successful negotiating the insurance “rate” by just simply asking and telling them that the procedure not covered by insurance. By far the best tip is to be pro-active and stay healthy!
Sorry to hear that about your insurance. Yes, it is great to talk to the doctor offices when you are having problems paying or insurance issues. I often find they are very willing to help you out as long as you talk to them.
Fantastic post, Melanie, and one that all of should always be aware of with the costs. I like your last point is to flat out take care of your health as best you can. And my pharmacist has been awesome always since I’ve gone there (20+ years) to always use generic drugs. Huge savings there. That applies to otc medicine as well! 🙂
Yes, we should all try to stay as healthy as possible. Nobody likes being sick anyway.