Health Care: How To Save Money

For routine problems such as cuts, broken bones, sore throats and ear aches, you can save money by going to one of the following instead of an Emergency Room:

• A general practitioner rather than a specialist. Primary-care doctors  are able to treat the vast majority of illnesses at a more affordable rate than specialists. They can always refer you to a specialist if necessary.
• A clinic in a retail store clinic or a company clinic for routine problems such as cuts, sore t hroats and ear aches
• An urgent care center for routine matters and for more serious matters such as a broken bone.

Compare the cost of medical services. Please keep in mind that it can't hurt to try to negotiate price. If you can't get a reduction in price, perhaps you can get payment terms. For more information, click here.  Also consider the following ideas:

• Request bids for your medical care through such websites as MediBid.com
• Check to see if your state collects information about medical costs and makes it available online. State sites are listed at the web site of the All-Payer Claims Databases Council at www.APCDCouncil.org
• www.FairHealthConsumer.org lists typical costs for medical procedures for different locations
• www.HealthcareBlueBook.com provides what it refers to as fair prices by area
• American Medical Association lists what Medicare pays for services by area at www.AMACodingOnline.com

NOTE: Learn how to prepare for a medical emergency by clicking here.

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