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Costs
- Don't get sick! Practice preventative medicine. Eat a balanced
diet.
- Keep your weight down. Encourage family members to do the same.
- Choose a family doctor before you get sick. To find one, ask
friends. neighbors local medical society or nearby hospital.
- If you have minor medical problems, phone your doctor. Don't
visit him.
- Purchase prescription drugs by generic names rather than brand
names.
- Buy drug items from discount stores where they are less
expensive.
- If vitamin/mineral supplements are necessary, order from mail
order firms.
- If you smoke, stop. You'll eliminate heart, lung, circulatory
problems.
- Excessive alcohol is bad for anyone. Cut down or stop drinking
entirely.
- Ask your doctor for "starter" samples of drugs he may prescribe
for you.
- Protect against cost of blood transfusions. Contribute blood
periodically.
- By law, all aspirin is the same. So always buy the cheapest
brand.
- If your doctor writes a prescription for a brand name drug, ask
the pharmacist to substitute a less expensive generic drug.
- Most prescription drugs may be ordered from mail order
pharmacies licensed by the state. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or
hospital for the name and address of such firms. This is a
great saving for non-emergency drugs.
- Check public health centers in your area. They usually give
immunizations and routine screening tests free of charge, or for
very little cost.
- Buy a good home medical guide. Learn to recognize symptoms of
diseases.
- If you have a persistent problem, get it taken care of as soon
as possible.
- Record all medical expenses for tax deductions.
- If possible , use "out patient" facilities for minor operations
and medical procedures if it is acceptable to you and your doctor.
- Have physical examinations regularly.
- For minor surgery, ask your doctor if it can be done in his
office.
- If hospitalization is necessary, have all tests done before you
enter.
- Discuss your financial condition with your doctor, especially
before surgery or special medical program. He may be able to suggest
savings.
- Save on hospital costs. Get in and out as quickly as possible.
Before you enter, be aware of what everything will cost and cut out
the "frills".
- Shop around first. Then join the best health care plan you can
afford.
- If a doctor claims you require surgery, get a second opinion. A
second M.D. nay know of a non-surgical treatment that works.
- Investigate any health insurance organizations in your area.
These are groups of doctors who offer you all the health care you
need in a year for a single predetermined fee. Check your phone
book.
- Many medical schools that train optometrists and podiatrists
operate low-cost clinics. These clinics are open to anyone.
- Senior citizens who join the American Association of Retired
People get drug discounts. Ask your doctor for the name and address.
- Home health care is sometimes possible if there is a
knowledgeable person around. discuss it with your doctor and you may
shorten your hospital stay.
- If you are in bad financial straits, you may be eligible for
Medicaid. Your local Dept. of Social Services can give you
information.
- Keep your own accurate and up-to-date medical history.
- Many large corporations now arrange for their employees to get
free or low cost medical and dental care, and medicine.
- When visiting your doctor, bring along a list of questions you
want to ask.
- Observe and teach all family members good dental hygiene.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
- Use the best and cheapest dentifrice: salt & bicarbonate of
soda.
- Many dental colleges operate no-cost or low fee dental clinics.
KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS THAT READ THIS
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