How To Lower Hospital Expenses

If you just went through a big medical problem, you’re probably desperately looking for information on how to lower hospital expenses. Unfortunately, unless you have comprehensive medical coverage, chances are you will have to pay some expenses out of your pocket. Don’t delay or avoid medical care because you believe you won’t be able to afford it. There are many ways to lower hospital expenses and still get good care.

1. Don’t stay overnight unless you absolutely have to. If your doctor is asking you to spend the night, ask why. He could be acting extremely cautious and you may be okay going home. If you have to stay at the hospital, stay the minimum number of nights needed for you to recuperate. If you’re not at risk but are still weak, you could lower your hospital expenses just by hiring home health care for a few days.
2. Compare expenses. If you have time to prepare for the procedure, do your homework in advance. Compare prices among local hospitals, clinics and even private practitioners. You can also ask your doctor to recommend an affordable hospital.
3. Refuse optional treatments. This only works if you do it before you are treated. Find out if there are things you can exclude from your total bill to lower hospital expenses. For example, don’t take drugs from the hospital if they are charging you twice what they would cost at the pharmacy. Anything that reads “recommended” might not be essential and could be done at a later time, when you can afford it.
4. Ask for generics. Every major drug out there has a generic equivalent that costs two or three times less than the brand-name option. Let your doctor know in advance that you want the cheaper option if dosage and strength are the same.

Resources:

Bankrate