Know your plan.
The first step to being a wise health consumer is knowing what you get for when you pay out for health care. There’s nothing worse than getting an unexpected bill, or realizing a procedure or visit isn’t covered by health insurance after you’ve already had it done.
It’s important to understand what benefits you receive from your insurance plan. You should know in advance of appointments what network you can receive care at, for a predetermined negotiated rate. Know what type of prescription medications you can buy at a discounted price, if coverage is offered through your plan, and what pharmacy you can buy them at. Educate yourself what a copay is, and if you have one as part of your insurance plan.
Know your doctor and see a doctor.
Make sure you have a primary care physician that you trust. Employers, health insurance companies, even your dentist needs information about who you see in case of an emergency.
Your medical health history is vital for the betterment of your long-term care. Seeing a family doctor or specialist for annual preventive wellness check-ups will help in the detection of critical illnesses. If you don’t like the doctor you have been seeing or feel judged or uncomfortable, find a doctor that cares about your health and your comfort level. Depending on your community size, there are most likely plenty of physicians to choose from. Feeling safe in an exam room and being honest about your health to a professional will help you get the care you need.
Review and save your EOB.
Prior to receiving a final invoice in the mail for your treatment, you will receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) from your insurance carrier administrator. This is a great way to educate yourself on how much procedures cost, what network coverage pays for, and what your insurance carrier pays for. It’s also important to save your EOBs until a bill arrives from your health care professional to ensure that you are billed properly.
Look at your statements.
When you do receive your medical bill, look at it. The last thing you want to do after a long day at work is open bills, but it’s important to understand how much you will owe out of your own pocket after insurance and network deductions.
If your statement looks correct, pay it and keep a copy of your receipt for your records. If the statement doesn’t appear correct or has an error, contact the account office of your health care provider to review treatment billing and see what steps can be taking to right the incorrect invoice.
Understand your treatment method.
If you’re sick and have been prescribed a medication or a procedure, make sure you understand the implications of the procedure or medication. If you’re in need of surgery be sure you know the answers to these questions: How long will the procedure take? What type of rehabilitation will I need afterwards? Do I need to stay overnight in the hospital or is it a one-day procedure? Is it safe for me to drive myself to and from the hospital? What is the procedure? And never, ever be afraid to get a second or third opinion from another specialist before you make a decision about treatment.
If you’re being prescribed a medication make sure you know how often you should take it, the side effects of the medication, how long you’ll need to be on it, if it counteracts with other medications or supplements you take, if you can get the same medication in a generic form, and where it should be stored.
If you feel uneasy about the treatment your doctor has recommended ask for other options. See if there are alternative methods that are less invasive if the treatment recommended is invasive. See if you can correct the problem with lifestyle changes such as altering your weight, diet or environment before going on medication for the rest of your life.
Taking control of your care.
You know you should eat better, exercise more and spend more quality time with people you care about. Maybe you haven’t been to the doctor or dentist in years. Talk to someone you trust and ask them to help you make the first step of seeing a doctor. When you’ve made the appointment, keep it. Schedule it at a time when you know you will be able to go. Discuss with the physician a reasonable, attainable path to help you improve your health. Know that you’re not alone. Be aware of what’s happening in your life, and take control. This is the first and most important step to becoming a wise health consumer.
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