The number of people who are on high deductible health insurance these days continues to grow. Most of these high deductible insurance plans don’t allow for you to meet their annual deductible as it can be as much $3,000, $5,000, or even more each year. You are responsible for 100% of cost of the healthcare until you meet this deductible. This means you must pay 100% of the cost out of your pocket, which makes having insurance feel like not having anything. If you meet this criteria, we have a few tips for how to keep high deductible healthcare plan costs down.
1. Use a Clinic
Many cash only clinics have sprung up all around Houston to meet this growing demand. Typing “clinic” into a search engine map turned up dozens of results in my Houston zip code of 77065. I’ve even been to a few of these places or had friends who have been. I can attest that the pay out of pocket (about $40 to $50) is only a little more than the average $30 copay regular health insurance charges. I’ve also found the wait times to be much shorter than the average doctor. The waiting rooms are cleaner. The doctors at these clinics also tend to take more time with their patients. It isn’t a good choice for an emergency. It is good for types of visits such as the flu, a check up, along with similar scenarios.
2. Lab Tests Can be Expensive
It isn’t unusual for a clinic doctor to order lab tests for you. However, these lab tests can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars depending on where you go. All lab tests may be the same. Not all labs charge the same. For example, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential and platelet is a common test doctors tend to order. A little shopping around can pay off big. For example, we did a little research with our trusty search engine to find the test only costs $49 at Any Lab Test Now. They have a multitude of other tests you can order. Not sure of what to do? Ask your clinic doctor. They most likely see lots of “cash only” patients and can direct you to the right lab.
3. Imaging Too!
As with the above, your clinic doctor may order some sort of diagnostic imaging such as an x-ray, a CT scan, an MRI, etc. All you need to get this imaging done anywhere is your doctor’s orders. Do your research before scheduling at the first place that comes to mind. Perform an internet search or call around to see what the test costs. Tell whoever answers that you will be paying out of pocket to avoid the insurance run around. We bet you will see the difference between the least expensive versus the most expensive option is in the hundreds of dollars.
4. Stay Away From Hospitals
Stay away from these healthcare giants if all you need is a blood test, imaging, or other non-emergency item. These bloated healthcare providers are likely to pass on the cost of all those buildings, wings, ER visits, etc onto you the patient. However on the chance you prefer a hospital, give them a call to see how their prices compare to those of a smaller clinic. You can then make an educated decision as to whether that x-ray is worth the cost if done at a hospital.
5. Use a Tool
We were surprised to find that there are several online tools to help you get prices for what healthcare treatments cost. For example, Optima Health has a Treatment Cost Calculator that lets patients compare out-of-pocket expenses for common medical services and procedures. You can get estimates for common procedures such as:
- advanced imaging
- labs
- colonoscopy
- outpatient surgery
- office visits
- pregnancy care and delivery
- immunizations and inpatient admissions
Bonus Tip: Immunizations are also offered on cash only basis. Check your nearest Walgreen’s, CVS, and other pharmacies to see how much one will run you.
More Houston Bookkeeping Tips
Remember that in any emergency it is best to dial 911 first, then worry about the cost later. Give us a call if your family or business needs help in keeping the books.