There isn't anything worse than opening up a bill and being shocked at the high cost, versus what you had expected.
In the medical care arena--the costs can be staggering.
Below are some tips to help you prepare and be a wise shopper before receiving elective services.
1.
Check out the Healthcare Blue Book and My Medical Costs websites: These websites have great information that allows you to estimate the cost of upcoming medical procedures.
On the website, you enter your zip code, and then the procedure you are contemplating.
It will give you a general range for the service for your particular location, and in the case of My Medical Costs, may even provide costs specific to your facility.
If you are self insured, this can be a great negotiating tool.
Healthcare Blue Book will even allow you to print out a pricing agreement, to present to the medical provider.
If you are comparing facilities, it will also give you a general guideline on what to expect as fair and reasonable.
2.
Ask the hospital for an estimate.
Request a written estimate, to at least give you a general idea of costs at the facility.
There are several local hospitals in the Loveland, Colorado area, such as McKee Medical Center and Medical Center of the Rockies.
Getting a few estimates might be wise even if you are insured, as you generally will pay deductible and a percentage of the charges as your co-insurance amount.
3.
Inquire through your insurance company.
Some companies, such as Aetna, have a tool for their members, that provides hospital cost data, outcome statistics, and quality reviews.
This can help you make both quality and cost effective decisions concerning your health care costs.
By proactively becoming informed about your healthcare, your money and your options, you can successfully navigate through the confusing maze of healthcare decisions.
In the medical care arena--the costs can be staggering.
Below are some tips to help you prepare and be a wise shopper before receiving elective services.
1.
Check out the Healthcare Blue Book and My Medical Costs websites: These websites have great information that allows you to estimate the cost of upcoming medical procedures.
On the website, you enter your zip code, and then the procedure you are contemplating.
It will give you a general range for the service for your particular location, and in the case of My Medical Costs, may even provide costs specific to your facility.
If you are self insured, this can be a great negotiating tool.
Healthcare Blue Book will even allow you to print out a pricing agreement, to present to the medical provider.
If you are comparing facilities, it will also give you a general guideline on what to expect as fair and reasonable.
2.
Ask the hospital for an estimate.
Request a written estimate, to at least give you a general idea of costs at the facility.
There are several local hospitals in the Loveland, Colorado area, such as McKee Medical Center and Medical Center of the Rockies.
Getting a few estimates might be wise even if you are insured, as you generally will pay deductible and a percentage of the charges as your co-insurance amount.
3.
Inquire through your insurance company.
Some companies, such as Aetna, have a tool for their members, that provides hospital cost data, outcome statistics, and quality reviews.
This can help you make both quality and cost effective decisions concerning your health care costs.
By proactively becoming informed about your healthcare, your money and your options, you can successfully navigate through the confusing maze of healthcare decisions.
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