Saving Money on Healthcare with Health Screenings
by Kashvi Mahesh
The cost of healthcare in America has continued to rise, resulting in the need for millions of Americans to find affordable means of accessing healthcare services without jeopardizing their well-being. One of the best methods that people can employ to reduce their healthcare spending is embracing regular health screenings, which involve diagnostic examinations aimed at identifying underlying issues before they worsen. The economic rationale behind this approach is simple; it is cheaper to treat a condition in its early stages than to handle it later.
Prevention Economics
The famous saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is particularly applicable to the economics of health care. For example, a colonoscopy to detect signs of colorectal cancer is much cheaper than chemotherapy and surgery required to fight cancer detected later on. Likewise, routine testing for high blood pressure helps catch any signs of hypertension and treat it through relatively cheap preventive measures instead of being hit with an expensive stroke or heart failure.
According to CDC statistics, 90% of $4.5 trillion spent annually on health care in the U.S. are used to combat chronic illnesses – the majority of which can be prevented by detecting them earlier.
What the Law Has Already Done for You
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that all insurance plans must provide coverage for a wide array of preventive care measures without any costs to the insured — that is, no copayments, no coinsurance, and no deductibles apply. The services include blood pressure and cholesterol testing, mammograms, Pap tests, colorectal cancer screening, diabetes screenings for those at risk, and an entire series of vaccinations.
If you are insured but have not been making use of these free-of-charge screenings, then you are passing up a considerable amount of savings. Each hospitalization avoided is worth tens of thousands of dollars, and the screenings are the first line of defense against such occurrences.
Actions You Can Take To Save Money
Plan ahead. Check with your insurance company or your Summary of Benefits to determine what preventive services are paid for at 100%. People commonly do not seek screening services because they assume they will have to pay, but often these services are paid for completely.
See your doctor yearly. Pre-diabetes and high cholesterol show no outward signs or symptoms, yet they can be detected through annual wellness exams where changes in diet and affordable medications may correct the problem.
Take advantage of community programs. FQHCs and local health departments will screen patients on a sliding scale for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Hospitals and non-profits routinely conduct free screening days for their communities.
Always bring up the issue of generics early. In case you get tested for any treatable disease, bring up the topic of generics immediately with your physician. Using a cheaper $4-per-month generic drug instead of an expensive $200-per-month brand can save you lots in the long run.
Keep tabs on your vital signs. Understanding your initial readings concerning blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol will help both of you predict potential issues that can land you in the emergency room, where treatment always costs the most.
The Bottom Line
Preventive screening tests are much more than a way to improve your health; they are a way to save money. Preventing diseases before they happen, saving yourself from extra doctor appointments that are unnecessary, and getting free insurance for mandatory health screenings could help you save thousands in your lifetime.
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