Don't stay in the hospital unless you need to! The daily hospital rate in some sections
of the country is now as high as $1,000. And that doesn't include the costs for
treatments, medicines, or doctor's fees. The hospital should never be viewed as a place to
get a good rest. Consider these tips:
Choose outpatient services whenever you
can. Many routine lab tests, diagnostic tests and surgeries can be done for less money as
an outpatient. You avoid the cost of an overnight stay in a hospital.
As an inpatient, stay only the prescribed
time that is necessary. Ask your doctor about home health care, which can provide a wide
range of services at less cost than in a hospital.
Beware of duplication of tests. Be sure to
ask the doctor about what blood tests, X-rays, and medical procedures you can expect.
Be sure you know when checkout time is and
make plans to observe it; otherwise, you're likely to be charged for an extra day's stay.
If your health problem isn't an emergency,
avoid being admitted to a hospital on a weekend. The hospital staff is reduced then, and
testing will usually not begin until Monday.
Same-day or ambulatory surgery is a big
moneysaver when compared to inpatient surgery. It can be used for minor 
procedures such as biopsies, cataract removal, etc.
Keep a list of all services you receive in
the hospital. Ask for an itemized bill so you can make sure you are billed correctly.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99