Health care insurance is a complicated, expensive and frustrating experience at the best of times. The older we get, the more costly that insurance becomes, and when youre single or self-employed, the cost can be astronomical. For 2011 Im trying to see where I can easily and safely trim medical expenses. To that end, Ive made a number of decisions about what I will and wont do. One decision Ive made and discussed with my primary care physician is about gynecological care. Im post-menopausal, have never had a bad pap smear and have no history of breast or uterine cancer. So, Im no longer going to see a gynecologist for my annual exam and Pap smear. My primary care doctor will do that exam for me. This is a decision I feel comfortable making for three reasons: 1. Ive been seeing this doctor for about 10 years and I trust her implicitly. If there are ever any concerns she calls me personally. 2. She works closely with the mid-life gynecology department and theyre in the same building. We talked about my decision and she agreed that I could comfortably let her do the examinations. 3. I know my primary care doctor refers to specialists as needed. She communicates her concerns and what she thinks is the best course of treatment. There are many ways we can advocate for ourselves. When you call a doctors office and ask for explanations about an upcoming procedure or ask for more information, the doctor understands that you are paying attention and want to be proactive. And youve armed yourself with the information you need to make informed decisions. You may trust the doctor, but you still have a right to know everything thats going on and to have a say in your own treatment.
Ive gotten even bolder. I had my physical two weeks ago and was scheduled for a fasting blood test the next day. But a nurse came in and started to prepare me for a blood test anyway. I explained that I hadnt fasted and she replied that some of the tests didnt require me to be fasting. Politely, I refused, pointing out that I wasnt going to have blood withdrawn twice in one week. She was a little put out and went to find the doctor for permission. The doctor came in the exam room and apologized, agreeing with my decision. My willingness to speak out probably saved me money, as I would surely have been charged for two separate tests. I felt pretty empowered making that decision.There are other things one can do to cut health care costs and be more efficient in medically related matters. I shopped around for a new pharmacy, choosing one that offered me a lower price and an incentive for transferring. I ask for generics when they are available and have calculated whether its less expensive to buy allergy meds over the counter or with a prescription-based on my prescription plan. The dollars saved are not huge, but it adds up over months and years.The last thing I did was to talk to my doctor about my high blood pressure and high cholesterol medications. Ive been on both for several years and I often wonder if I still need them. I talked it over with her and at my next visit I will have been off both medicines before getting my blood work. That way we get an accurate baseline and can recalculate what dosage, if any, is necessary. I found out that it would take almost three months for the high cholesterol medication to leave my system, and somewhat less for the blood pressure medicine. And I got the doctors agreement first, making sure I wasnt putting my health at risk.
Each of these steps were simple ones and quickly and easily decided in the course of one visit. I feel good about taking charge of my own health care and reassured in knowing my doctor is willing to work with me. These changes will work for me, based on my current physical condition. They might not work for every woman, but my experience can provide you with ideas of how to look at your current healthcare providers, the number of appointments and the amount of expenses youre paying. Walker J. Thornton is a freelance writer and blogger in Virginia. She frequently writes on womens issues. You can find her at the website, A Page of My Own.
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