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Best tips for stretching health care dollars: The Medication Makeover
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The majority of your out-of-pocket health care spending may be dollars that pay for medication. Here are some tips that can help you reduce your spending with a Medication Makeover.
Look at the big medication picture with your doctor. While your doctors may have added medication over the years, when was the last they asked, "What medications can we safely eliminate?"
Mike, for example, was taking medication to treat his "heartburn" when his doctors discovered that his symptoms were from real "heart burn"; he was not having acid reflux, but rather discomfort from his heart that was not getting enough oxygen. The doctors added medication to avoid further damage to his heart, but neglected to ask if he still needed the H2 blockers and antacids.
Next time you see your doctor, bring in a complete list of all your medication, including both prescription medication and over-the-counter formulations. Then go through the list item by item. Patients who ask one simple question--"What does this medication treat and do I still need it?"--can slash medication bills by 20%, on average.
More questions that you can ask either your doctor or your pharmacist can also reduce your spending:
- "Is there one medication that can do the work of two or three?"
- "Is there a generic medication or an over-the-counter option that could do the job of my brand-name drug?"
- "Do any of my medications fight each other?"
- "Are there lifestyle changes that could reduce my medication use?"
Embrace lifestyle changes. Small changes like a ten-minute walk can have big results. Some patients with sleep apnea, for example, find that even a 10% weight loss reduces symptoms. Other lifestyle choices, like contributing to your community or making a habit of expressing gratitude can also improve your health and reduce your medication bills.
Patients who ask one simple question--"What does this medication treat and do I still need it?"--can slash their medication bills by 20%, on average.Vicki Rackner MD is a surgeon who left the operating room to help patients and their family caregivers manage their health through her company Medical Bridges . Dr. Rackner helps both individuals and businesses stretch their health care dollars through better doctor-patient collaboration. To get your free special report The Biggest Skeleton in Your Doctor's Closet, email DrRackner@MedicalBridges.com or call (425) 451-3777
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