WM75Guy
Elite Member
Stand alone imaging centers are becoming more popular options for outpatient procedures. Less overhead means lower cost. It is common to give a discount for cash up front, even hospitals do it if you ask. If the provider files the claim for the negotiated contract price and waits for payment, the patient has to pay their copay or deductible, the cash price may be better for both.
The same can be true for lab tests as well. The lab companies have a local office where you go to have your blood drawn and the results are sent to the ordering provider. The price is less than the hospital price.
Everyone is looking for more of the healthcare dollar pie. The reimbursements for the office visit don't pay much anymore. Providers do lab and xrays in their office. Some specialists are installing CTs in their office, no waiting, just walk next door. Cardiologists have cath labs in their office. Your local pharmacy can fill your pet prescriptions at a greatly reduced cost than what the vet charges.
People need to take control of their healthcare costs. One tip I give patients is to print off the list of $4 prescriptions from Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, etc or your insurance book for your PCS card and take it to your next doctor appointment. If you need a med for say high blood pressure tell him or her to pick one off this list. Most providers prescribe 35-40 meds as their standard drugs. They know the prescribing info such as indications, contraindications, side effects and interactions with other drugs. Others they have to look up. The list is somewhat driven by marketing and other factors. Why get a name brand prescription that they prefer and costs you lots of money when a generic will work.
The same can be true for lab tests as well. The lab companies have a local office where you go to have your blood drawn and the results are sent to the ordering provider. The price is less than the hospital price.
Everyone is looking for more of the healthcare dollar pie. The reimbursements for the office visit don't pay much anymore. Providers do lab and xrays in their office. Some specialists are installing CTs in their office, no waiting, just walk next door. Cardiologists have cath labs in their office. Your local pharmacy can fill your pet prescriptions at a greatly reduced cost than what the vet charges.
People need to take control of their healthcare costs. One tip I give patients is to print off the list of $4 prescriptions from Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, etc or your insurance book for your PCS card and take it to your next doctor appointment. If you need a med for say high blood pressure tell him or her to pick one off this list. Most providers prescribe 35-40 meds as their standard drugs. They know the prescribing info such as indications, contraindications, side effects and interactions with other drugs. Others they have to look up. The list is somewhat driven by marketing and other factors. Why get a name brand prescription that they prefer and costs you lots of money when a generic will work.
