Seeing A Doctor Without Insurance — Ask These Important Questions
Seeing A Doctor Without Insurance — Ask These Important Questions
Unexpected illness or injury can happen to anyone, and the best course of action in those situations is to visit a doctor. However, if you don’t have insurance, or if your insurance has a high deductible, you may be worried about the price of going in to see your doctor. Before your visit, there are some important questions to ask that may save you money in the long run. If you don’t have insurance, or your deductible is high, read on to learn the most important questions you can ask before seeing a doctor.
Will you take cash or check?
Many people don’t realize that some doctors will accept cash or check as a form of payment. This is usually to help uninsured patients, but if this form of payment works better for you, don’t be afraid to ask. Paying directly for your health care can result in big savings if you take a little time to do your research. Compare cash prices with insurance prices to see where you can save. For instance, simple procedures like blood tests are often cheaper if you pay in cash rather than go through insurance.
Will you give me a discount for paying in cash?
More and more doctors and hospitals are starting to offer discounts to patients who pay in cash. Dealing with the bureaucracy of insurance companies can be a headache for doctors. They have to fill out extra paperwork and go through long claim processes to make sure everything is approved. This means they may need to hire extra staff, or spend less time with patients.
Paying with cash or check can actually help doctors and their staff. So if you’re willing to pay on the spot in cash, this can save your doctor some serious resources, and he or she may pass the savings on to you.
Can you tell me the total price?
If you ask about the total price upfront, you may be able to see if the visit is within your budget. If you have insurance, you can compare the price that your doctor gives you versus what you’d be paying with insurance. Sometimes uninsured patients will get a better price than insured patients, and occasionally the difference can be shocking.
Do you know prices for anything extra I might need to get?
Depending on the extent of your illness or injuries, you may need additional care or treatment, or follow up visits with the doctor. It’s a good idea to ask about this right away, as these treatments will likely cost extra. If you know about the potential extra costs, you can see if the treatment is feasible within your budget, and you can also compare prices.
Can you recommend other specialists who take cash?
Knowing which doctors in your area take cash can be a great resource if you are uninsured or have a high deductible insurance. That way you can still get quality health care without breaking the bank.
At Sesame, we believe that no one should have to go bankrupt paying their medical bills. It’s important to be smart when it comes to your health care and be aware of all your options. Using your insurance isn’t always the best or only solution for getting a fair, affordable price.
