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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.
Article by the American Institute of Preventative Medicine, as reprinted on http://aipm.wellnesscheckpoint.com.
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