How To Save On Medical Procedures

Medical procedures in the US can be incredibly expensive, particularly if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost. For this reason, many people look for ways to save on medical costs when the need arises for a medical procedure.

This article will look at some of the ways that you can save money when undergoing medical procedures, including filling a medical power of attorney form, researching costs, and comparing options. Read on now to learn ways to save on medical procedures.

#1 Use Free Medical Power of Attorney Forms

Before even thinking about the cost of the medical procedure you’re undergoing, you may want to get your legal protections in order. For most people, this means appointing a medical power of attorney or a healthcare proxy.

A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that gives an agent the power to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to do so. For example, if you are incapacitated due to a medical emergency, or you will be in surgery and need someone to act on your behalf, your agent will be able to carry out your wishes.

A healthcare proxy should be someone that you trust to make the decisions you desire when you are no longer able to. However, using an attorney to draw up a power of attorney document can be a costly endeavor.

Instead, you can find many options for free medical power of attorney forms online. You will be able to find the right form for your state and possibly even a guide to filling it out and ensuring that it is valid in your state online.

Be aware that the legal requirements for a healthcare proxy can vary from state to state, so you will need to research the proper guidelines for your home state when creating your own power of attorney document.

#2 Research Recommended Service Costs Online

Contrary to popular belief, most medical procedures and treatment options will actually be offered by a number of providers. This means that if you take the time to do your research, you may be able to find the cheapest option for your procedure.

Healthcare is another area where being an informed consumer can benefit you greatly. Individual hospitals, insurance companies, and more can show you the prices for a medical procedure, giving you the information that you need to make a decision.

In fact, medical costs can vary so much per region and state that doing this research can help you to save hundreds.

#3 Ask About Your Options

In some cases, you may have a few options. You may even find that the medical procedure is not medically necessary and just a recommendation. There is no harm in questioning your healthcare provider on whether the medical procedure is the only option you have.

#4 Check Your Bills For Errors

After you have undergone a medical procedure, you may receive a bill that seems exceptionally high for the care provided. In these cases, there are some things that you can do. One of the easiest things to do is to review your bill for errors.

You can review for errors by asking for a detailed breakdown of your bill and comparing this with your medical records. You should check that you haven’t been billed twice for anything, and you can even search billing codes online to check that the care you got is listed properly on your bill.

If you think you have found consistencies but are unsure, you can reach out to a professional for help, though this will cost you, too.

#5 Review Your Insurance Coverage

If you have insurance for the medical procedure but have been billed for it by the hospital, then it is imperative that you go over your insurance policy with a fine-tooth comb. Your policy manual will set out what procedures are covered by the policy and which are not. If your insurance policy covers a procedure, then the insurance provider must pay for it.

The explanation of benefits (EOB) form that you receive from your health insurance provider should note if a service has been covered or not.

#6 Use a Payment Plan

In cases where you have to pay the total amount, it can be incredibly expensive. However, there are still options. You can usually speak with the hospital billing office staff to work out a payment plan for your medical bills.

This kind of plan will allow you to make smaller and more manageable payments over an extended period to break down the cost of the medical procedure and make it easier for you to meet the payments.

Final Thoughts

Medical bills can be extortionate in the US, so if you suddenly have an emergency and are left with a huge bill, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount you need to pay. Fortunately, there are ways to save on medical procedures. The easiest method is to do your research. Being an informed consumer means understanding your medical bill and being able to spot errors if they arise.