Vicki Rackner, MD
October 2008
You could be paying more out-of-pocket for your health care. Lots more. The costs of medical care, like the cost of gas and milk, are rising. Here are some tips that will help you make the most of your health care dollars.
- Next time you're at the doctor, review your medication list. On average patients cut the list by 20% with this simple exercise.
- When the doctor suggests a diagnostic test, ask, "What will we do differently as a result of having the test results?" All tests carry risks as well as costs. Make sure it's worth it.
- Take medication as prescribed. Up to 60% of patients do not.
- Check your insurance EOB's (explanation of benefits) to assure that all line item medical charges make sense. For example a client was charged for two CAT scans for one ER visit.
- Ask three critical questions when you're a hospital patient to avoid costly preventable medical mistakes :
- "What is the medication and what does it treat?" to avoid medication errors.
- "Could you please wash your hands?" to ANYONE who touches you. Infections add, on average, add $40K to hospital bills.
- "Did you know my name is..." to transport staff to avoid being taken for your roommate's test.
- Forgive one person for one thing. Anger and resentment can be as bad for your body as cigarettes!
- Go out for a ten-minute walk. Just do it!
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid colds and flu.
- Stretch your mind and your body regularly.
- Stay healthy
- Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.
- Wear seatbelts, bike helmets, and change smoke alarm batteries
- Follow through on your stress management program
- Stretch your mind and your body regularly
- Maintain connections to important people. Staying connected promotes health, and isolation increases the risk of heart disease.
- Be part of something bigger than yourself. Do the things you love to do and indulge in experiences that make time stand still. Charitable giving has known health benefits.
Vicki Rackner, MD, is a surgeon who left the operating room to help patients and their family caregivers manage their health through her company Medical Bridges. Dr. Rackner helps both individuals and businesses stretch their health care dollars through better doctor-patient collaboration. To get your free special report The Biggest Skeleton in Your Doctor's Closet, email DrRackner@MedicalBridges.com or call (425)451-3777.
Medical Bridges
http://www.medicalbridges.com/
