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DRUGS & MEDICAL SERVICES -
Doctors, Tests & Other Medical Services (continued)
f. Often traveling diagnostic labs will visit communities offering low-
g. And do not forget about the health department and health fairs for such things as vaccinations and flu shots.
2. Before going to a new doctor, make sure you check the doctor’s background, to ensure that there have not been any prior problems, and that you are happy with the doctor’s credentials. You may also want to consider this for your present doctor. Below are a few sources to consider.
a. The web site DocBoard.org (free) will link you to state licensing boards for doctors. In many instances these boards will have a wealth of information on any doctor licensed to practice in your state.
b. The web site of the American Medical Association (AMA-
c. RateMeds.com (free) is a place where people rate their doctors. While the site is relatively new, and many doctors are not yet listed, your doctor may be. Or, you may want to add a rating for your doctor.
d. The site DocInfo.org is operated by the Federation of State Medical Boards and includes background on education and licenses, as well as disciplinary actions, if any. There is a $10 fee per profile.
e. HealthGrades.com is a fee-
f. To check out hospitals, try HospitalCompare.hhs.gov, a new free service provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This site provides you with information on how well the hospitals care for all their adult patients with certain conditions or procedures. This information can help you compare the quality of care hospitals provide. Talk to your doctor about this information to help you and your family make your best hospital care decisions.
3. Be informed and ask questions before you agree to medical tests and procedures. Ask your doctor if the recommended tests and procedures are really necessary. Make sure you know what the test or procedure is supposed to accomplish. Because of today’s liability issues, sometimes doctors will order extra tests to cover “all the bases,” even if there is not a compelling reason to believe the test will uncover a health issue. Understand the benefits and risks, as well as the cost to you. If you would like to do some of your own research on medical conditions, consider web sites such as NIH.gov, MayoClinic.com, MedLinePlus.gov, and Healthwise Knowledgebase at www.ghc.org/kbase/index.jhtml.
4. Do not pay too much for medical services.
a. If you are covered by a medical plan (or perhaps dental plan), make sure your
doctor’s or dentist’s charges are covered to the fullest amount possible by the plan,
in order to minimize your out-
b. If your plan lets you go to any doctor or dentist, make sure you check out what the doctor charges, and if they only charge what the insurance plan considers a normal charge, or if they charge more. If they do charge more, you will have to pick up the difference, or if you have a high deductible, you will have to pay a higher total charge.
c. If you are paying the doctor or dentist out of your own pocket, it is particularly important to know what the doctor charges, since you will be paying it all. Keep in mind two points. First, doctors charge different rates, so it pays to shop around. Second, doctors usually charge higher rates for “cash paying” patients than they charge patients covered by insurance companies. In other words, if you have no coverage, a physical might cost you $500. If you have coverage, but will still be paying all the doctor’s charge because you have a high deductible, you may only be charged $300 for the same physical, because of the rates the doctor negotiated with the insurance company. You may have seen this on statements you have received from your insurance company. They usually list the doctor’s charge and the “amount allowed”, which is often less than the doctor’s charge. If you have no insurance coverage you usually get stuck with the full doctor’s charge. Ask your doctor what other people are paying that are covered by insurance, and see if they will charge you that lower price. Never by shy about asking for a discounted rate. Many doctors will do this.
d. So that you do not pay too much, and your insurer too little, make sure you keep
track of payments you have made and deductible limits on your insurance plan. Sometimes
insurance companies get “confused” and keep charging you after you have reached your
deductible limit. Also make sure any co-
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