Negotiating for Your Health Care

It is estimated that a family of four, covered by a preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance plan will get about $14,500 worth of medical services this year. Of this dollar amount, about $5100 will be the responsibility of the insured. This will come in form of premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. However, there are instances when the amount will be higher for the insured. Believe it or not though, you can bargain down your share of the costs. Here’s how.

Test Prices

In order to compare and negotiate the price of an expensive test, you will need to know the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) of the specific test. Go to the American Medical Association web state,ama-assn.org, and exhaust the CPT search engine. Once you rep the correct code for the test, begin contacting different providers for price quotes.

If you are going for a second opinion, ask if any modern tests are necessary. You can designate out your original tests and take them with you.

The Hospital Bill

Even if you have insurance, your financial share of the hospital bill can still be way out of your budget. If you can prove that your financial responsibility of a hospital bill is a hardship, the hospital may be willing to waive or at least reduce the balance. However, you have to ask, and you may have to prove hardship. Go to the office of the chronicle administrator and tell her that you cannot pay the amount specified and is there anything that can be done.

Follow Up Appointments

If you are asked to come back at a later time for a follow up visit, ask if a phone call would be okay, especially if your original visit did not deal with a serious issue. This will save you the cost of another doctor visit.

Cheaper Drugs

Most doctors admit they do not know the cost of most drugs. It is up to you to ask the doctor for a less expensive, yet equally effective alternative to the drug being prescribed. This can amount to a huge savings.

Your Hardship

If you are suffering a financial hardship, piece this with your doctor. They may be more willing to reduce or eliminate your debt easier than the billing department. They are in a better location to encourage the staff to give you a break.

Independent Lab Work

If you are required to have any lab work done, go online and get an independent collection site nearest you. For example, mymedlab.com has 3000 collection sites around the United States. Once you complete your visit to the collection lab, the vial is sent to an independent lab, and the results are sent to you and your doctor.

Prescriptions

Mail order pharmacies will usually be cheaper than most drug stores. Rxaminer.com will allow you to compare prices. This site was founded by a cardiologist and works independently from special interest groups.

Split Pills

Since most drugs are not priced according to strength, some extra strength pills can be split in half so the prescription will last twice as long. Some pharmacy back managers will offer to give you a pill splitter free of charge. Just make clear to check with your doctor before doing this.

It may engage some research and effort on your part, but negotiating the cost of your health care can be done as well as save you money.