Saving on medical bills

Medical costs just seem to keep going up. Unless you have a great insurance program that covers all your costs, I am sure you have considered what you can do to keep your medical costs down. Of course, the most obvious thing to do is take good care of yourself by eating what is healthy and getting excercise. However, when you do need medical help, here are some things to remember:
1. Find out what clinic in your area is most affordable. The best one we have found is in Missoula. It is called Cost Care. At www.costcare.com you can check out their hours and locations (they currently have 4). The appointments cost $45. They keep their costs affordable by having a small staff and collecting payment when they give service. They are happy to provide you with a receipt you can submit to your insurance company.
2. When you go in to the doctor, ask if they give a discount for cash payments. This is advantageous for them because they don't have to pay credit card processing fees and they also know that they will be able to collect on the services they have provided. If you explain your situation, a good receptionist will be able to tell you what financial options are available...but you must ASK.
3. Check the statements that you receive from your doctor (and insurance company) to make sure you are only being charged for services you received. If you have a question about your bill, call and ask about it. Recently I had a doctors appointment and I had a question about something on my bill. It took some persistence. At first the receptionist transferred me to someone in billing. She couldn't help me, but transferred me to the office manager. The office manager wasn't in, so I had to leave a message. She called me back the next business day. I explained the situation. She said she wasn't authorized to change anything without talking to the doctor. So I asked her to ask the doctor about it. She did and called back to let me know the doctor authorized the change on the billing. It definetely took effort to get to the bottom of the issue, but it saved me $106.
4. The most important thing to remember is that as a patient you are a consumer. Don't feel bad about asking for an explanation. Doctors provide medical services and you are entitled to understand what you are receiving and what you are being charged for it.

It is never convienant to have a medical issue. So, be a bit proactive and find out where affordable medical help is available. Of course, you are talking about your life here...so cheap is not the most important thing. You are looking for someone who has good expertise, you feel comfortable with, and who can offer you affordable care.