What to do During Your Visit​

Be Open About Your Financial Situation 

• Always be open with your healthcare provider about your financial situation

  • During your visit, you can say things like

    • “I have a limited income and am worried about the cost of this treatment. Are there any programs available to help with the bills?”

    • “Could you connect me with a financial counselor or someone in the billing department to discuss payment options and financial aid programs?”

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• • Many times, being proactive and asking your doctor the necessity of your healthcare procedure can help reduce extraneous costs.

    • Ask your doctor:

      • “Do I need this procedure?”

      • “What are the implications of not having this procedure done?”

      • “Are there alternatives to this procedure such as lifestyle changes or simply just waiting?”

 

Ask for Cheaper Options

• If you are being prescribed a drug or medicine, ask for a cheaper option.

  • Usually there are generic versions of a drug that sell for cheaper than the ones labeled with a brand name.

  • For example:

    • Ibuprofen instead of Motrin or Advil

    • Loratadine instead of Claritin

    • Acetaminophen instead of Tylenol