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November 26, 2011

Forum: Keeping health care costs down

By Timothy C. Zeddies, Ph.D. ----

In 2009, 14 million Americans bought their own health coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. As job losses and elimination of workplace benefits continue to rise, this number is expected to grow substantially, and an increasing number of individuals will become responsible for managing their own health care costs. Being an educated consumer who knows how to advocate on your own behalf is more critical than ever. It can help cut costs and ensure that your best interests are always at the forefront of your personal well-being. Here are some tips on how to effectively accomplish this.

Practice wellness and prevention

Imagine your body as a car. If you don't invest in its maintenance and upkeep, like oil changes and tire rotations, the probability of facing a major, expensive vehicle problem goes up considerably. Annual exams with your physician, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising and keeping a healthy lifestyle are all low-cost ways to reduce the risk of an expensive problem. Preventive services, such as screening tests, a wellness coach and overall healthy practices can keep you away from the doctor and out of the hospital.

Manage chronic illness

For those with a chronic illness such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, knowing how to manage it can make a significant difference in overall well-being and cost of care. Taking the right medication as directed is first and foremost. Taking half the prescribed dose or not taking the medication could actually lead to more harmful, long-term consequences for both your health and your finances. Talk to your health care provider about the resources they have to help you cope with, track and manage your chronic illness.

Communicate with your doctor

Patients are continually filling out forms on their medical history. This task, though tedious, is critical, as it helps doctors understand the full scope of your needs. In addition, many health care plans have online questionnaires that measure health status. Having a comprehensive and detailed medical history is a big step toward cutting and effectively managing medical costs.

Consider all of your options

Fully understanding your treatment options is one of the best ways to be your own advocate. Ask questions. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask if that is the only option. Also, consider getting a second opinion. Heart disease, for example, is a serious problem for which doctors might recommend surgery. For patients with unstable heart disease, surgery is usually the best option. However, many patients with stable heart disease often gain the same result through medication.

Find the best treatment

The common course of action when the doctor's office is closed and someone becomes sick is to go straight to the emergency room. However, this could actually harm the pocketbook more than it helps the patient. One-third to one-half of all people in emergency rooms don't need to be there. Talk to your doctor about possible signs or symptoms that would require an emergency room visit over urgent care or a doctor visit.

About the author: Timothy C. Zeddies, Ph.D., is associate vice president for clinical programs at Priority Health.

About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by emailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.

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