Part 2: I'm Ready to Take Control!

Ask

Questions

Investigate

Cost of

Care

Make

Informed

Decisions

ALL RIGHT: I’M READY TO TAKE CONTROL!

How do I do it?

Stewart's Insurance Depot

1

Are we shopping for major medical care services

like we shop for other things?

Are we a savvy shopper for major medical care services?

Do we just wave our major medical insurance card and say ….. “just fix me?”

OR

• Do we ask what the costs will be?

• Do we check to find the least

costs for the

services needed?

• Do we use our network provider

directory?

• Do we check out where we are going

to buy

our medications?

• Do we investigate second opinions

and

alternate treatment regimens?

• Do we investigate the treatment we

need to

be informed?

Check if you do:

Stewart's Insurance Depot

2

OUR VISITS TO OUR DOCTORS

Stewart's Insurance Depot

3

What to do at the doctor visit:

• Inform your doctor of any changes you are experiencing.

• Be honest about how you are feeling.

• If you are taking medication(s) prescribed by another

doctor(s), inform your doctor of these and why you are

taking them.

• Give your doctor your family medical history regarding

major illness issues and cause of death. Go back to at

least your grandparents.

Also be sure to:

Take your notebook and pen….

Take notes on what to do.

Ask questions……

Write down answers.

Remember the 6th highest cause of death

in the US is

from taking

the wrong

prescription!

Stewart's Insurance Depot

4

Some Helpful Resources:

Your doctor says you need to have a Carpal Tunnel condition evaluated

and you need to have it verified by an MRA and then possible surgery.

You are now a savvy health care shopper what do you do?

Here are some suggested internet resources:

The HSA Insider hsafinder.com

CDHC Solutions CDHC Solutions

“Ask the Experts”

Consumer Driven Patient2Patient”

Market Report

MCOL’s Consumer

Driven Care

Or any other resource you choose. Here is what we found…

Stewart's Insurance Depot

5

MRI- MusculoskeletalAlways check our your

provider directory and the cost first

Source:

http://www.pearldiverinc.com/cct/content/index.jsp

6

Carpal Tunnel SurgeryHow much do you want to spend?

Source:

http://www.pearldiverinc.com/cct/content/index.jsp

7

Are you receiving the best value for your dollar?

Have you ever thought about paying cash instead of using your insurance? If you

have a health savings account/ high deductible major medical plan, you have the

best of both worlds.

or ?

Next time you visit your doctor and have to have an out-patient surgery and you have an

HSA Account ask what it would cost if you paid using your plan or cash for it all?

Using my insurance plan. $

Not using a hospital. $

Using a stand alone facility. $

From the above ask the Big Question…What if I pay cash for the whole procedure

using this facility?

$

Stewart's Insurance Depot

8

WHAT IS IN YOUR EYE?

Stewart's Insurance Depot

9

What is in your eye?Your eyes can tell you many things about the condition of your body. Examination of your eyes can forewarn you of subtle changes taking place in various parts of your body such as:

Glaucoma

Cataracts

Diabetes

High Blood Pressure

Night Blindness

Detached Retina

Macro Degeneration

Depth Perception

Wear good quality sunglass, avoid glares and use eye protection when working. Never ever look directly at the sun or other high intense light!!!!!

Stewart's Insurance Depot

10

ANYONE FOR HEARING?

Stewart's Insurance Depot

11

Anyone for Hearing?

Hearing is very important and subtle changes in hearing

can cause long-term results:

• Get your hearing checked by competent

professionals

• Early detection results in less chances of

major loss.

• Never listen to very loud music or expose

yourself to loud noises.

• Wear ear protection.

Stewart's Insurance Depot

12