Five Steps to Improve Care and Lower the Cost of Yo...(acement you might get a different proced...),Health

Date:2/26/2009

acement, you might get a different procedure or prosthesis depending on your age and your activity level. If you can have laparoscopic surgery instead of a traditional or open surgery, this will often allow you to save money on your procedure. With this option, you will often stay in the hospital for a shorter time and recover and return to work sooner.

Selecting the best place for your surgery can save you money. Usually surgery performed at a hospital with an overnight stay will be the most expensive option, followed by out-patient surgery at the hospital and then out-patient surgery at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). You can ask your doctor what options are available and how they may change the cost of your care.

5. Find a fair price for your surgery. Always ask about the cost of surgery before you get the procedure. The administrative or billing office can let you know what your provider will charge for your treatment. The main parts of your total costs will be from the surgeon, facility and anesthesia fees, so make sure to ask about all three.

Web-based resources such as www.healthcarebluebook.com provide pricing information about what a fair price should be for surgery and other healthcare services. The Healthcare Blue Book prices are based upon what insurance companies typically pay doctors, hospitals and others. You may not end up paying the Blue Book price, but if your provider charges a lot more it gives you a starting point for negotiation.

You should also call more than one provider to compare prices because they often vary a lot, even among in-network providers. If you don't have insurance, ask if you can get a fixed fee for the procedure (called a case rate). And don't forget to ask for the prices in writing. Then you can compare the prices you agreed upon, with what you are billed.

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SOURCE HealthcareBlueBook.com Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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