Did you Meet Your Deductible? 5 Procedures to Consider by the End of the Year

One of the most expensive elements of most health insurance plans is the deductible. Unfortunately, your deductible also resets at the end of the year. With that in mind, it is certainly smart to have some procedures performed while your health insurance company is still paying. Below are five options you should consider. Lab Work Medical lab work can be quite expensive. For this reason, many people try to avoid it unless it’s absolutely necessary. However, without proper lab work, certain serious conditions may remain undetected. This can create a serious threat to a person’s health. If you have a chronic illness, lab work may also be necessary to update doctors on your condition. Perform all the lab work you need before your deductible resets. Prescription Refills According to CBS News, 70 percent of Americans are on prescription medicine. It is a huge yearly expense for most Americans. When your deductible is in, you should absolutely take advantage of the fact that the insurance company has to pay much more of the bill. During this time frame, try to get enough of your prescription medicine to last you for several months. This way you won’t have to pay their total price when your deductible resets. Heart Catheterization Another thing people commonly put off until their deductible is in is heart catheterization. This is a procedure in which a tiny tube is inserted directly into the heart. This tube is then used to collect data and help determine the status of a person’s heart health. Surgery at an Ambulatory Surgery Center When your deductible is up, it’s also a good time to schedule surgeries you need but were non-threatening enough to be put off until later. One choice you should consider is having your surgery performed at an ambulatory surgery center like Nueterra. These centers give surgeons a stronger ability to direct staff and control the patient experience. Surgeries performed at ambulatory surgery centers are also likely to be considered in-network by health insurance companies. Diagnostic Tests Like lab work, diagnostic tests are also quite expensive without health insurance coverage. However, they are also often necessary for detecting disease or determining the status of an ailment. This includes tests such as an MRI scan, ultrasound, x-ray or bone densitometry test. Most people pay a lot of money for their health insurance. It’s only wise to take full advantage of your coverage after your deductible is in so you can make sure you’re saving money and in the best health possible.