Price Shopping: Getting the Best Deals on Medical Care

It could save you money and your health.

Shopping for the best price on an x-ray or even when delivering a baby may seem odd if you've never done before. But care where you go, the amount you pay and the potential outcome of your transaction is even more important when it comes to your health (no mail or a new pair of shoes) on the line.

Americans, both insured and uninsured, feel the effects of the rising costs of health care, which may be reluctant to seek outside your doctor or nearest hospital for competitive rates. But comparison shopping for health care could save you money and your health.

Your share of the cost Is Up

Not all in your head. Although more Americans have health coverage under the Affordable Care Act Health, many have seen their responsibilities increase costs. Generally, premiums and out of pocket costs such as deductibles are increasing, and sometimes alarming.

Franchising, which were not only lower, but less frequent in total, are now the norm. Among the insurance plans offered by employers in 2003, about half had a franchise; the average was $ 518 for a single person. In 2013, rose to 81 percent and an average has more than doubled to $ 1,273, according to an analysis by The Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that supports research in health services.

This means that Americans are responsible for a greater amount of your medical bills before they reach maximum input from your insurer. It also means that when you go for something like an x-ray, you may have to pay for the entire visit, even if you are insured.

Prices vary from doctor to doctor

In addition to potentially pay more out of pocket than ever, prices can be very different from one clinic to another and depend on several factors, including where you live.

In the case of a brain scan, for example, when the national average is $ 695, you could pay as little as $ 75 in Lanham, Maryland, or as much as $ 4.600 in Issaquah, Washington, according to data from OkCopay.

But you do not cross the country to see the differences in spectacular prizes. According to the analysis of Castlight Health, a walk through the city could cost or save you hundreds. Health care information company found that cholesterol panels through Dallas, for example, can cost between $ 15 to $ 343 for the same test.

Get the best price for your dollar health care

Comparison shopping for something like LASIK or even an MRI is quite easy, as these procedures are relatively simple with the bill and insurance claim from a single source. A few phone calls may be all you need. But in the case of surgery or having a baby, the market price will be a project - a project that ultimately could save thousands. Here's what to do:

1. Know your network.

You still have to pay more for medical services outside the insurance network. So probably best to stay away from doctors, clinics and hospitals that are not in your plan. This could significantly reduce your options if you are part of a growing number of shrunken networks.

2. Start with online tools.

There are several online tools reputed organizations - your health insurer or local hospital, may still have them. They help estimate the costs of the various procedures. But it is not the last word on how much you pay. Search reasonably priced health of consumers and health are Bluebook reliable places to start.

3. Call the provider.

You can find a good estimate online have, but you want to check. Contact your health care provider for an estimate. In some states, providers are required by law to provide these estimates. But even if not required, usually required. Planning is the key here, to receive a quote for an intense process can take several days.

4. Contact your insurance company.

If you have health insurance is likely to cover some but not all costs. So after receiving a detailed budget of the provider, contact your insurance company to find out how the tab will be your responsibility. They will be able to provide information on what is happening to your deductible, which is covered by one fee and can be completely private.

5. Remember that price is not your only concern.

The price may be an important factor in where you're going, but should not be the only one. After all, this is not a TV as we speak, and the lowest price is not always the highest quality. While the commercial price, be sure to check online reviews and comments about your medical provider or hospital. You want to balance cost with quality of care.

Shopping for health care quality at a reasonable price is not always a quick and easy process. But when providers charge the same city hundreds more in the next clinic, it might be time (and money) well spent.