There's one thing left on your list: Shopping for health care

by Frances Gough MD

27 January 2010

You shop around for auto dealerships, electronics, and plane tickets. So why aren’t you shopping for health care?

A recent New York Times article poses this question, and gives some excellent ideas for looking around for value when it comes to your health care spending on doctors, hospitals, and even tests such as MRIs and CAT scans. After all, these are much more important items than the latest television or cell phone, yet consumers often don’t see the actual prices of what they’re getting for their health care dollars.

The key is to ask for a better price for your test or hospital visit instead of just accepting what’s in the fine print. Often, you can get the same quality for a better price. Some doctors are even starting to negotiate prices for office visits. You never know unless you shop around. Here are a few other key notes from the article:

  1. Talk with your insurance company about health care costs for tests such as MRIs, as mentioned above.
  2. Use resources such as the Internet to find providers that fit your budget.
  3. Call your doctor and start a conversation about pricing.

Gone are the days of the silent consumer—time to get shopping for the right care for you.

 

Tags:

Comments

6/25/2010 8:13:21 AM #

e-pokeronline.ru

You have some honest ideas here. I done a research on the issue and discovered most peoples will agree with your blog.

e-pokeronline.ru | Reply

6/26/2010 7:47:39 AM #

Safe Wow Gold

[标 签:评论内容]

Safe Wow Gold | Reply

6/26/2010 7:54:44 AM #

ffxiv gil

[标 签:评论内容]

ffxiv gil | Reply

6/26/2010 8:16:53 AM #

wow gold

[标 签:评论内容]

wow gold | Reply

6/26/2010 9:12:25 AM #

wow gold

[标 签:评论内容]

wow gold | Reply

6/26/2010 10:31:13 AM #

wow gold

Hey - nice website, just looking around some blogs, seems a really nice platform you are using. I'm currently using Wordpress for a few of my websites but looking to change one of them over to a platform similar to yours as a trial run. Anything in particular you would recommend about it?

wow gold | Reply

6/26/2010 11:01:57 AM #

wow gold

Now I know why so many people love this site, nice contribution. Thanks

wow gold | Reply

6/26/2010 11:50:07 AM #

wow gold

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.

wow gold | Reply

6/26/2010 12:23:11 PM #

wow gold

This is really great news. Thank you for sharing it with us!

wow gold | Reply

6/26/2010 1:06:55 PM #

fast wow gold

Thank you for taking the time to chat about  this, I feel  fervently  about this and I like learning about this topic.  Please, as you gain data, please add to  this blog with new information.  I have found it extremely useful.

fast wow gold | Reply

6/27/2010 8:01:01 PM #

Teeth Whitening

An array of teeth whitening tags provides you extra knowledge and full perspective about teeth whitening only at Mark5inc. Teeth whitening forum is available for your comments and questions relating to teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening | Reply

6/29/2010 10:13:30 AM #

payday loans

What is a friend? I will tell you... it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself. http://www.clicknpayday.com

payday loans | Reply

7/1/2010 11:27:20 AM #

Wire mesh

Happy to see your blog as it is just what I’ve looking for and excited to read all the posts.

Wire mesh | Reply

7/1/2010 11:27:24 AM #

herve leger dress

Although I can't agree with all you staded, I must confess I do love your way of writing.

herve leger dress | Reply

7/1/2010 11:27:27 AM #

herve leger dress

Thanks for this brilliant article. I am delighted after reading this. Thank you!

herve leger dress | Reply

7/4/2010 10:55:28 AM #

Магазин сантехники

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.Any way Ill be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon

Магазин сантехники | Reply

7/6/2010 4:11:05 AM #

Microsoft Office 2007

Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful.

Microsoft Office 2007 | Reply

7/6/2010 8:30:05 PM #

Няня

Если Вам нужна няня - смело обращайтесь в наше агентство. Не следует подавать в газету бессмысленные объявления по типу \"Нужна няня. Няня Киев). Достаточно просто прийти, обратиться к специалистам \"Светланы\" с фразой \"Ищу няню\", и можете быть уверены - спустя короткое время для Вас подберут несколько кандидатур.

Няня | Reply

7/7/2010 2:47:41 PM #

проститутки Подмосковья

It\\\\\\\'s an intriguing approach. I ordinarily stumble upon ordinary thoughts on the theme but yours it\\\\\\\'s written in a pretty special way. Sure enough, I will revisit your website for additional information.

проститутки Подмосковья | Reply

7/8/2010 11:46:20 AM #

Vegas casino online

You should just think more positive and you won't need any drugs.

Vegas casino online | Reply

7/11/2010 8:18:08 AM #

Новинки сантехники

It\\\'s an intriguing approach. I commonly see minimalist judgments on the matter but yours it\'s written in a pretty special way. For sure, I will revisit your site for more info.

Новинки сантехники | Reply

7/12/2010 8:39:33 AM #

Проститутки

You gave nice ideas here. I done a research on the issue and learnt most peoples will agree with your blog. Certainly, these practices are unfair; but they say that most of their rules are only to apply to people who overdraw.

Проститутки | Reply

7/12/2010 8:51:46 AM #

ways to remove stretch marks

If the remedy is used much in advance then it can certainly help healing the skin with little tear up that cause these stretch marks to occur on the surface of the skin  Aloe Vera can be applied to the stretch marks as it will certainly help reduce them to a much greater extent so that they are not

ways to remove stretch marks | Reply

7/15/2010 11:39:31 AM #

prom dresses

It's time consuming to discover an affordable web site designer that can actually develop web sites of good quality. Come check us outif your need an awesome website!

prom dresses | Reply

7/16/2010 11:16:24 AM #

casino rooms online

I always try to choose the best specialist, even if it's more expensive, as when your health is concerned, no compromises are possible.

casino rooms online | Reply

7/18/2010 12:54:27 PM #

fast payday loans

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own BlogEngine blog now.

fast payday loans | Reply

7/19/2010 10:43:06 AM #

tiffanyjewelry


  
    <a href="http://www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/">tiffany jewelry</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-bracelets-c-4.html">Tiffany Bracelets</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-earrings-c-6.html">Tiffany Earrings</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-necklaces-c-9.html">Tiffany Necklaces</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-rings-c-7.html">Tiffany Rings</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-pendants-c-5.html">Tiffany Pendants</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-bangles-c-8.html">Tiffany Bangles</a>
  
  
    <a href="www.tiffanyjewelryweb.com/tiffany-cuff-links-c-3.html">Tiffany Cuff Links</a>

tiffanyjewelry | Reply

7/24/2010 4:09:28 PM #

principal dental insurance

Hello really nice site, I discovered your web site as I was doing some study on possibly how to develop my blog. I was simply enquiring what spam software you use for comments as I get a great deal on my blog.

principal dental insurance | Reply

7/24/2010 4:13:45 PM #

 International Tax Attorney Jobs

Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I'm more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I've added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.

International Tax Attorney Jobs | Reply

7/26/2010 10:44:53 AM #

 Supra Skytop 2 grey blacklack

<h1><a href="www.bestsuprashoes.us/supra-skytop-2-gold-black-shoes-p-113.html"><strong>Supra Skytop 2 gold</strong></a>, Supra Skytop 2 gold</h1><br><br />
<h1><a href="www.bestsuprashoes.us/supra-skytop-2-gold-white-shoes-p-114.html"><strong>Supra Skytop 2 gold</strong></a>, Supra Skytop 2 gold</h1><br><br />
<h1><a href="www.bestsuprashoes.us/supra-skytop-2-grey-black-red-white-shoes-p-115.html"><strong>Supra Skytop 2 grey black</strong></a>, Supra Skytop 2 grey black</h1><br><br />

Supra Skytop 2 grey blacklack | Reply

7/26/2010 1:34:51 PM #

sell wow gold

I did a study on this type of thing 3 years ago, great topic.

sell wow gold | Reply

7/26/2010 1:49:06 PM #

ffxiv gil

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own BlogEngine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it.

ffxiv gil | Reply

7/26/2010 3:04:56 PM #

wow gold

I like how you are thinking...and I'm totally addicted to your articles!

wow gold | Reply

7/26/2010 4:02:45 PM #

wow gold

I must say, youve got one of the best blogs Ive seen in a long time.  What I wouldnt give to be able to create a blog thats as interesting as this.  I guess Ill just have to keep reading yours and hope that one day I can write on a subject with as much knowledge as youve got on this one!

wow gold | Reply

7/26/2010 5:02:54 PM #

wow gold

This is an exceptional post, and I can agree with what was written here. I will be back to check out more of your articles soon. Thanks

wow gold | Reply

7/26/2010 6:14:43 PM #

wow gold

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.

wow gold | Reply

7/26/2010 7:12:44 PM #

wow gold

Thanks a lot wonderful. would anyone advice information. I have a presentation, and this kind of.

wow gold | Reply

7/28/2010 4:44:13 PM #

bad credit personal loans

The enemy came. He was beaten. I am tired. Goodnight.

bad credit personal loans | Reply

7/30/2010 3:07:13 AM #

nfl jerseys

<a href="http://www.20nfljerseys.com/">
nfl football</a>
<a href="http://www.cheapjerseys20.com/">nfl tickets </a>
<a href="http://www.20nfljersey.com/">nfl scores</a>
<a href="http://www.cheapjerseyssale.us/">sports apparel</a>
<a href="http://www.jerseyssale.us/">cheap jerseys </a>
<a href="http://www.mbtshoesweb.com/">women's slippers</a>
<a href="http://www.cheapsaleweb.com/"> boots</a>
<a href="http://www.supplysneakers.com/">jordan sneakers </a>
<a href="http://www.shoessee.com/">basketball sneakers </a>
<a href="http://www.cheapjordan-wholesale.com/"> new jordan shoes</a>
<a href="http://www.cnshoesweb.com/">air force 1 shoes </a>
<a href="www.wholesale-nfljerseys.us/">soccer jerseys </a>

<a href="http://www.cheapnewjerseys.us/">discount jerseys</a>
<a href="http://www.cheapjerseyweb.com/">nhl jerseys</a>


<a href="http://www.replicajerseys.us/">sports apparel </a>

<a href="http://www.cheapjerseyssale.us/">nfl scores</a>
<a href="http://www.offjerseys.us/">cheap hockey jerseys</a>

<a href="http://www.nfljerseysok.us/">authentic jerseys</a>

<a href="http://www.cheapjerseyshop.us/">hockey jerseys/a>
<a href="www.discountoakleysunglasses.us/">rayban sunglasses</a>

<a href="http://www.cheap-ugg-boot.us/">sheepskin boots </a>

nfl jerseys | Reply

7/30/2010 5:42:59 AM #

designer handbags

replica chanel http://www.topchanelbag.com
replica gucci http://www.topguccibags.com
replica hermes http://www.greathermes.com
replica louis vuitton http://www.greatlouisvuitton.com
discount handbags http://www.topdesignerhandbag.com
designer handbags http://www.wendysreplica.la

designer handbags | Reply

Add comment




biuquote
  • Comment
  • Preview
Loading



TextBox

Child Pages

    You’ve got terrific innovations at companies like Microsoft, where they actually have used home visits of doctors to reduce utilization of emergency room care and are saving themselves millions of dollars.

    President Barack Obama on Carena Urgent Care

    Health Roundtable, May 12, 2009

    Microsoft has an amazing relationship in Seattle with a firm called Carena… a very interesting glimpse of the future [of health care].

    Newt Gingrich, Center for Health Transformation

    Keynote Address at World Health Care Congress, April 14, 2009

    Carena has attracted the population with the greatest needs and the greatest opportunity for impact.

    David Axene, FSA, FCA, MAAA, CEO Axene Health Partners LLC

    speaking about Carena Urgent Care

    Our employees appreciate the care and attention they receive from the Carena physicians, and especially not having to wait hours in the ER.

    Katrina Zitnik, Director of Workers’ Compensation

    Costco Wholesale

    I was at home caring for my infant son when I cut my hand while washing dishes. The Carena doctor was excellent, suturing my hand and saving me a trip to the ER with a crying baby.

    My 3-year-old son was seen by Carena because I was too sick to take him to an urgent care facility. His PCP and her colleagues were also fully booked that day. The Carena doctor was extremely knowledgeable and he took his time explaining everything to us. This service is absolutely great! It was better than I ever expected.

    I appreciated the house call because it was difficult for me to move due to my back pain. The Carena doctor was kind and easy to communicate with. His advice helped to ease fears of serious injury. My pain was severe, but medication helped ease my pain so that I could move around a bit easier.

    My toddler had a significant fever for four days and we were snowed in. The house call made such a difference. My son is responding to the prescription and is eating and drinking again. The Carena doctor was great and even walked three blocks in the snow to reach us. Thanks!

    I can’t stop raving about Carena’s house call! In addition to diagnosing my pneumonia and writing a prescription for medication, the Carena doctor also evaluated a potentially cancerous growth on my face and gave me advice on next steps.

    Our 2-year-old daughter fell and split her chin open on Saturday when our doctor’s office was closed. I wasn't sure if it would need stitches or not. The Carena doctor was great, and we really appreciated having care in the home!

    This was such a helpful service! I just relocated two days ago and had not identified a PCP yet. It was great to get the health attention when I knew nobody else was around. Thank you!

    I could not wait a week to see my doctor. That was the next open appointment. This service prevented an unnecessary and costly trip to the ER but also prevented me from getting worse while waiting to see my doctor.

    Carena is invaluable. Our 16-month-old son dislocated his elbow and the Carena doctor was able to manipulate the bone back into place. Had he not been able to make this house call we would have had to have taken the baby to the ER. The physician was amazing, kind, and capable. We are so grateful for this service—and impressed by the skill of the physician. Thanks!

    This is a great service! I truly appreciated the doctor coming to my house as I had a fever and horrible cough. I was sick and contagious and didn't feel like going anywhere, especially an ER that would have had a long wait time.

    One of the best doctors I have come across during my seven years in the US. The doctor did a detailed diagnosis, answered all questions and concerns, educated us about the problem, examined and performed tests meticulously, and made me feel comfortable. My husband was very happy, too. Amazing doctor. Five stars.

    This is what medical care should be.

    This doctor probably saved my son's life. He diagnosed a tricky case of appendicitis; otherwise I would not have taken my son to the hospital until the next day.

    follow Carena on Facebook follow Carena on Twitter

    © 2010 Carena Inc. | Contact | Privacy & Usage