Many people have been told by a dentist that they need to have cavity filled. Or maybe others have been advised by their doctor to undergo some sort of surgical procedure such as knee replacement. It only makes sense for the individual to follow through with their provider’s recommendation.
When confronted with the cost of the procedure, many of these individuals may experience ‘sticker shock’ and balk at the price. However, since a medical professional is advising on the necessity of a certain procedure, most people will have it done, regardless of the cost. They may even say to themselves, ‘I don’t know how I can pay for this, but it needs to be done.’
Many people feel constrained to use their familiar providers for healthcare procedures and never shop around, but is it necessary to stick with a current provider or should a person shop around? What many Americans may not realize is that for things like dental work, surgery, or cosmetic procedures, they have healthcare options just as they do with other purchases. In general there is no standard pricing for healthcare in the United States, so shopping around is a good idea. In this article we’ll look at the idea of shopping for health care and give reasons to shop around as well as some reasons not to shop around.
Pros
One of the most obvious benefits of shopping around for healthcare is to save money. The current economic climate in the United States has forced many Americans to look for the best deal and highest quality for the money they spend on goods or services. For major surgery such as a hip or knee replacement, an individual could possibly save thousands of dollars by shopping around.
Also, choosing healthcare is very different making a purchase at a retail store. If a consumer enters a store to purchase a certain item and finds three or four products that are very similar (the only difference being the brand), they will most likely spend less to get the same product. But unlike retail stores, medical professionals rarely give consumers a price list of procedures and services. Along with this, the lack of standardized pricing for medical care in the United States means that costs can vary greatly, even within a local area. For example, a large hospital may charge more for an MRI than a smaller imaging clinic may. In some cases, the cost difference can be dramatic, possibly as much as double. Comparing prices is a good idea for uninsured individuals or those with insurance who would be faced to pay more out of pocket.
Some people choose elective surgery such as cosmetic surgery or cosmetic dental procedures, many of which may not be covered by insurance. Since these individuals will most likely be paying some or all of the cost out of pocket, shopping around only makes sense. In many cases, an individual can receive the same level of care for less money by shopping around. As a result, the great benefit of shopping around is to spend less money, but it is also possible to maintain the same standard of care that they are accustomed to.
Cons
There are also some potential drawbacks to shopping around for healthcare. One drawback is finding and focusing on the lowest price for a procedure. However, the final cost is not always the best gauge of quality. Focusing only on the cost could cause a person to choose lower quality care in favor of a better price. Examining a number of factors can keep someone from mistakenly receiving poor quality care at a rock bottom price only to regret it later.
In addition, many people enjoy the familiarity of their family physician or family dentist. Choosing an unfamiliar healthcare provider could make a person uncomfortable, especially if no one that they know personally has ever seen that provider. So for many individuals who prefer familiarity, going to a new healthcare provider for the first time for even a minor procedure might not be an attractive idea.
Another drawback to shopping around for healthcare is that the individual may be required to travel. This could translate into a simple drive to the next town for basic care or a flight across the country for more complicated procedures. Not everyone is willing to travel, so this could be a barrier for some individuals and families.
To shop or not to shop
Although many people may not realize that they can shop around for healthcare, it is possible. In the same way that is makes sense shop for a car, house, or other significant purchase, shopping around for healthcare options is also a wise choice. At the very least it lets a person know their options. At best it can allow someone to receive the same level of care and keep more money in the bank.
