Investments to Stretch Health Care Dollars

Thursday, August 13, 2009

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Because of the costs, many Americans are thinking twice before seeking health care or filling a prescription. Even people with health insurance are paying more as premiums rise and employers pay less of the bill.

The August issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource offers tips to save money by working closely with care providers, being informed about insurance, price shopping for prescriptions, avoiding hospital stays when possible, and taking steps to stay well. Money-saving ideas include:

With providers:

• Ask in advance about fees, including an estimate of the total expenses for your care. Check with the insurance company about what's covered.
• Ask the doctor to be a partner in reducing costs. The care provider might avoid duplicating tests or suggest lower-cost treatment options.
• Use nurse lines. Many health plans, hospitals and some medical practices offer services where patients can call for medical advice. Talking with a nurse may be especially helpful when it's unclear if a medical appointment is needed.

On insurance:

• Pay premiums annually. Many policies offer discounts when premiums are paid on time and in full.
• Read the benefits information to make sure the insurer is paying for everything that's covered. If it appears that a claim has been denied in error, appeal the decision.
• Look for special services and extras, such as discounts on gym memberships, weight-loss programs and medical equipment rental.

On medications:

• Choose generic. They have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and cost less.
• Shop around. Prices vary from one pharmacy to another.
• Split pills if possible. The co-pay may be the same for a higher-dose prescription as for a lower dose.
• Check with the prescribing physician about this option.

On hospital care:

• Avoid the emergency department unless it's absolutely necessary. Instead, consider a nurse line or urgent care. For those without insurance, try to find a clinic with sliding-scale fees.
• Use outpatient services when possible. Tests and procedures that can be done without an overnight hospital stay cost less.

On staying well:

• Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent and control serious and costly health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
• Give up expensive and unhealthy habits. Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable death and illness in the United States. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Make the basics for good health a priority. Floss and brush teeth daily. Use seat belts and bike helmets.
• Wear sunscreen. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource is published monthly to help women enjoy healthier, more productive lives. Revenue from subscriptions is used to support medical research at Mayo Clinic. To subscribe, please call 800-876-8633, extension 9751, (toll-free) or visit www.bookstore.mayoclinic.com.

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About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of "the needs of the patient come first." More than 3,700 physicians, scientists and researchers and 50,100 allied health staff work at Mayo Clinic, which has sites in Rochester, Minn; Jacksonville, Fla; and Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. and community based providers in more than 70 locations in Southern Minn., Western Wis. and Northeast Iowa. These locations treat more than half a million people each year. To obtain the latest news releases from Mayo Clinic, go to www.mayoclinic.org/news. For information about research and education, visit www.mayo.edu. MayoClinic.com is available as a resource for your health stories.