Part 1: Basic Diagnostic Health Tests

These basic health tests can help your doctor with your diagnosis and treatment. Know what they are so you know that you are getting it when it is needed. These can be baseline, and routine screening tests as well. 
The EKG, also known as an electrocardiogram, gives information about your heart. It is usually done by the primary care doctor as part of a routine physical, especially if heart disease runs in your family. Typically, this test is done on anyone complaining of chest pain or discomfort. Small patches with adhesive on the back are placed on the chest, arms, and legs while the patient lies on her or his back. The electrode patches are attached to the wire cables running from the EKG machine. The heart’s electrical activity is recorded on paper. By looking at this “heart tracing” graph, the doctor can tell if there are any abnormalities like irregular heartbeats (called arrhythmias), damage to heart muscle from a heart attack, poor blood flow to the heart that causes chest pain (called angina), and heart enlargement. The doctor has been trained to know what changes or abnormalities need further testing, treatment, or hospitalization.
The X-ray test uses small amounts of radiation through an X-ray machine to make pictures. It can be done on almost any part of the body to check out a patient’s symptom, and/or the doctor’s findings during the physical exam. Many primary care doctors have X-ray equipment in the office. If not, the patient may be referred to a special office (diagnostic center) that performs X-rays or to a local hospital radiology department.

X-rays are most commonly done on the chest, abdomen, back, joints, and extremities (arms and legs) and are done either with the patient lying down or standing up, depending on the part of the body being checked. After you have been positioned, the X-ray film cassette is placed in the machine next to the body part being X-rayed. The radiation from the machine will pass through the body part being X-rayed onto the film. The radiology technician (the person who operates the X-ray machine) will then move to a closed space in the same room and press the buttons to take the X-ray.

During this test it is important that a protective lead shield apron be placed over the reproductive parts of the body.  Usually the technician will need to take more than one view, and so you will be asked to move a certain body part or turn a certain way. Different X-ray views give the radiologist (the doctor who reviews and interprets X-rays) a more complete view of the body part. Using the information from this test and the information from your history and physical, your doctor will be able to determine the proper diagnosis (what the problem is), treatment, and/or more tests, if needed.

There is some concern that the radiation from X-rays may be harmful. Studies have shown that small amounts of radiation are not linked with an increased risk of health problems. Over the years the amount of radiation used for X-rays has been decreased.



If you are uninsured, these tests are still available at affordable rates.  Check and compare prices by phone or Internet to find lowest prices.  Your healthcare provider may also be able to direct you to a clinic, hospital or testing center that fits your budget.  Some providers also have payment plans that allow payment over time.  Make your own healthcare plan affordable rather than go without.  Best health!

How You Can Save on Health Costs

Rising health care costs are one of the biggest reasons many people refrain from getting medical care when they need it.  Medical care costs deter many from doing what is best for their health. The following suggestions will help you spend your health dollars more wisely.

1. Eat proper foods. This is more healthy and less expensive especially if dining out or ordering in is eliminated.  Deleting junk food reduces expenses as well.  Home cooking is better for you and less costly.
2. Keep weight stable. It is the healthy thing to do. This will save on grocery and clothing expenses as well as long term savings on medical expenses.
3. Get prescription medicines in bulk quantity of 100 versus thirty day supply especially if you are paying outright. Buy nonprescription medication in bulk when on sale. You will be amazed at your savings when you buy a six to twelve month supply on sale. This tip is also effective for emergency preparedness.
4. Talk with your doctor by phone, fax, and email to save on the cost of an office visit payment. Just think about the number of office visits you have been to where all you did was talk (after waiting for a long while). This will save your time and money.
5. Monitor blood pressure at home.  Call in, email, or fax your readings to your health care providers. Many doctors will discover that your blood pressure is actually stable when the stress of the doctor's white coat is absent. For diabetics, a home glucometer is very useful for monitoring blood sugar.
6. Maintain healthy lifestyle changes long term.
7. Do routine health maintenance check-ups and testing.  Prevention and early detection have proven cost effective and good for overall health.

Invest in your most important asset - YOU. Maintaining your good health is one of the best ways to prosper into longevity.  Best health!

Surge in Surgery

How many surgeries does the average person have in a lifetime?  According to the most recent study of its kind from 2002, it was found that you could need surgery at least 9.2 times if you live to 85 years of age. It is no surprise that surgeries increase with age.  Surgery is also prevalent in women during their reproductive years.  For both men and women between ages of 45 to 75 there is also an increase.  Three of the top ten most common surgeries were for women’s gynecological conditions.  C-sections ranked as number one.  For men the top surgery was for cardiac conditions (angioplasty, heart bypass).  Fortunately many surgeries done today are minimally invasive done as an outpatient instead of in a traditional hospital stay.

These facts indicate that you will have surgeries in your lifetime.  Think about the cost of this.  Would you be able to pay for it?  Rising health care costs and increase in illness have made this nearly impossible for most on an average income of today. The sensible and responsible thing to do is have health insurance.  Is your health more important than that $50,000 car or $200,000 home you insure? Plus these insurances are usually required.  Your health deserves to be insured as well.

If your health insurance policy has been cancelled, your health insurance provider has other plans that will fit your need with comprehensive, affordable coverage that covers more and includes your same providers.  Look at the cancelled product as new and improved health benefits at a much lower price. Basically your policy has not been “cancelled”, but upgraded with many more options.

There is also the option of looking at the National Healthcare Insurance Exchange by phone, paper application, online, or in person at designated places.  This offers more choices from other health insurance providers with different “levels” of coverage.  Each level offers basic and free preventive care from less than 60%  to 90% coverage.  The cost is now actually less than what you may have paid previously under the “cancelled” policy!  Now that health insurance is more affordable and chances are you will need surgery, it makes sense to have it.  Plus you get the chance to maintain your health with prevention and proper treatment in hopes of preventing surgery.

The yearly cost of your health insurance premium is much less than the cost of one major surgery and recuperation (equals 5-10 years worth). Even if you have enough cash to pay, you will save more than your money by being insured. Get covered for good health!

Best health!

Health Insurance Costs

Written a year ago, this blog post is still relevant. For more posts on healthcare reform, click on in index to the right.

Health care costs are up at least 5% from last year. Health insurance is up from 6% to 40% or more! This means that health insurance company profits are up. Check the earnings. Their profit is up even with decreased net income and higher medical costs. Almost 100 million people are paying off medical debt while insurers rake in piles of profit.

Hopefully President Obama will allow exemptions from medical debt, and allow capped prices on insurance premiums without regard to pre-existing conditions. Health insurance companies should discontinue lifetime limits on health coverage. At an $100,000 lifetime coverage limit, one or two major surgeries or a chronic disease with complications your coverage could evaporate in a year or two or less.

More consumer protection is needed. Protection with lifelong health membership would be optimal. The national health plan, National Health Insurance Exchange, will likely make this a reality giving all the privilege of being insured as securely as our President and Congress.
With a premium of $1000 month, your payment for one year is $12,000. This should be enough to guarantee lifetime coverage. After all, your insurance premiums are giving insurance companies lifetime profits.

by J. lL. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U

Some Doctors Miss the Mark

For the past few years I have seen pain management specialists for chronic pain. Seeking relief after many, many years has indeed been a challenge. Each time I was referred to a pain management specialist for the neck and back pain (from arthritis and herniated discs), treatments offered were medicine (especially samples of new stuff), and invasive procedures like epidural spinals and trigger point injections. Alternative treatment was rarely offered, and if so was limited to 20-30 minutes physical therapy sessions for about six weeks every few years, upon my request.

Fortunately, my neurosurgeons saw the light. In efforts to achieve pain control and maintain function without surgery, other treatments such as massage and acupuncture were recommended. Sadly enough, these choices are not covered by my insurance. I am still waiting for over a year now for approval and payment for long term treatment (which works) instead of six weeks.

Even though some doctors miss the mark, there are others who are on the mark. As a savvy patient you must always recognize this. You have choices even if you must pay for medical services you need out of your pocket. It is a tough choice, but the best for your health. If there is something you need that is not covered by your insurance, you have choices. Make the one best for you, especially if your doctor misses the mark.


by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

Read excerpts at Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=kPmXiNrg1pYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=patient+handbook+to+medical+care

www.twitter.com/MD4U

5 Medical Money Savers

Here are five medical money savers to help you spend your health dollars wisely.

1. Keep weight stable. It is the healthy thing to do. This will save on grocery and clothing expenses. Long term savings on medical expenses.
2. Get prescription meds in bulk quantity of 100 versus thirty day supply especially if you are paying for your meds.Buy nonprescription medical items in bulk when on sale. You will be amazed at your savings when you buy a six to twelve month supply on sale. This tip is also effective for emergency preparedness.
3. Check with your state provisions for health care. Many states have low cost insurance plans available. Check what your state has to offer by contacting the state health agency.
4. Talk with your doctor by phone, fax, and email to save on the cost of an office visit payment. Just think about the number of office visits you have been to where all you did was talk (after waiting for a long while). Save your time and money.
5. For blood pressure checks, get yourself a home blood pressure monitor. Call in your readings. Many doctors will discover that your blood pressure is actually stable when the stress of the doctor's white coat is absent. For diabetics, a home glucometer is very useful for monitoring blood sugar.

Invest in your most important asset - YOU.
Great health is true wealth!

J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine expert, is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

5 More Medical Money Savers

Thanks for your responses to the first ten medical money savers. So you want more? Here are five medical money savers to help you spend your health dollars wisely.

1. Keep weight stable. It is the healthy thing to do. This will save on grocery and clothing expenses. Long term savings on medical expenses.
2. Get prescription meds in bulk quantity of 100 versus thirty day supply especially if you are paying for your meds.
   Buy nonprescription medical items in bulk when on sale. You will be amazed at your savings when you buy a six to twelve month supply on sale. This tip is also effective for emergency preparedness.
3. Check with your state provisions for health care. Many states have low cost insurance plans available. For instance, in Florida the program is Cover Florida, http://www.coverfloridahealthcare.com/. Check what your state has to offer by contacting the state health agency.
4. Talk with your doctor by phone, fax, and email to save on the cost of an office visit payment. Just think about the number of office visits you have been to where all you did was talk (after waiting for a long while). Save your time and money.
5. For blood pressure checks, get yourself a home blood pressure monitor. Call in your readings. Many doctors will discover that your blood pressure is actually stable when the stress of the doctor's white coat is absent. For diabetics, a home glucometer is very useful for monitoring blood sugar.

Invest in your most important asset - YOU.

Great health is true wealth!

J.L.Richardson, MD, family medicine expert, is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/

Drug Prices Cheaper With Coupons?

This week my doctor gave me samples (about 4 to be exact) of a new medication he thought would benefit me. He also gave me a coupon for up to $30 off with the written prescription he gave me. On this coupon your patient information must be disclosed. There is space for your name, address, and a check box "if payment to pharmacy".

I call it a coupon. The drug company calls it a copay assistance card. If by chance, your pharmacy does not accept the copay card it instructs you to complete the personal information and mail it in with your pharmacy receipt (cost to mail another 43 cents).

There are all sorts of codes listed on the card in a small box. What does this mean? It seems like some secret tagging process.

I have two issues with this - the privacy afforded patients by HIPAA , and the copay card itself. If you get "up to $30 off", that can only mean that the medication is at least $29.99. This is an average amount for any monthly supply of meds as far as I am concerned.

Thank you, but no thank you, doc. Did it ever dawn on you that I may not be able to fit this in my already tight medical budget? I would have appreciated more samples especially if you have prescribed it to help me. Even information about the drug would have been welcome.

I was turned down for more samples even after shouting down the hall that this seemed unaffordable. I was denied the time to even think about asking for written drug information. Makes you go hmmm....


J.L. Richardson, M.D. is author of the award winning (soon to be NY Times bestseller), Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.

http://mypatienthandbook.com/