Avoiding Doctor Visits Can Raise Healthcare Costs in the Long-Term
In a down economy, it’s easy to think you’re saving money by bypassing routine screening tests like an annual physical, eye exam, mammogram or colonoscopy, however, Ochsner physicians warn that “pinching pennies” and putting off these simple, yet critical tests could end up costing you more in the long run.
One of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S. is medical bills, but routine screenings can save individuals and the entire healthcare system through reduced ER visits, hospital admissions, and early death. Dr. Kirk Bonner, Internist at Ochsner Medical Center advises patients to think twice before cutting costs with their health, “Delaying critical screening tests could have the opposite effect on a person’s pocketbook by placing their health at risk for undetected problems.”
In Louisiana, the leading causes of death over 45 years of age are heart attack and stroke. “Through preventive measures, we work to control medical conditions so patients don’t end up in the ER with more medical bills,” explains Bonner. “Another trend with patients is a reluctance to miss work for a doctor’s appointment, but without complete follow-through on care, patients could face a setback meaning even more time away from the office,” warns Bonner.
For patients with chronic illness, more serious problems can arise from delaying preventive care. According to Dr. John Cole, Chairman of Hematology/Oncology at Ochsner Medical Center, it can mean the difference between curable and incurable, “In the end, the money you save will be much less important than the impact of a life-altering event like colon or breast cancer that spreads if it’s not caught early enough.” Dr. Cole supports his advice saying that, “Recent data show that through screening tests like colonoscopies and mammograms, we’ve single-handedly reduced the number of people who are getting and dying from, cancer.”
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Dr. Bonner offers the following to keep medical bills at a minimum:
• Commit to Regular Exercise: 45 minutes of exercise a day, always consult with your physician before starting a program.
• Stop Smoking
• Eat Healthy: Reduce fried foods, sugars, and saturated fats; increase fresh vegetables, fiber rich grains, and fish.
• Drink Alcohol in Moderation
• Schedule Annual Checkups: This includes adults and children
• Get an Annual Flu Shot: Pneumonia vaccine at 65 years, Tetanus/Diphtheria booster every 10 years
• Age-specific screenings:
o Blood Pressure: All ages, at least every 2 years
o Cholesterol: Age 20, at least every 5 years
o Colonoscopy: Adults age 50 and older, Every 10 years
o Mammogram: Every 1-2 years for women age 40 and older, Yearly for women age 50 and older
o Prostate Exam: Annually age 50 and older
o GYN checkups: No later than age 21; checkups at least every 1-3 years for sexually active women
o Stool for Occult Blood (Bleeding related to colon or rectal cancer): Annually beginning at age 50
o Diabetes Test: Begin before age 45 if overweight, repeat every 3 years or as needed
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