Have you ever wondered how much a test or procedure that your doctor ordered will cost you or your insurance provider — and just not bothered to ask? Or have you ever questioned to yourself if a test or treatment that your health care professional ordered was needed? You are not alone.
Sometimes, when you’re in the doctor’s office or a hospital exam room, asking questions isn’t the first thing on your mind. You might be anxious or in pain, and just want to leave as soon as possible. Or maybe you want the doctor to run all the tests he or she proposes, thinking the results may put your mind more at ease.
But it’s important to be upfront and ask questions. This is your health, after all, and asking questions is part of taking control of it.
We know that when patients ask questions it makes our health-care system stronger. The American Board of Internal Medicine is currently running a campaign called Choosing Wisely to help encourage health-care providers and patients to have more meaningful conversations about procedures and tests.
As the American Academy of Family Physicians has pointed out, more than 70 specialities have found commonly used tests or procedures within each of their areas that are likely overused.
For instance, an X-ray or MRI is not necessary for low back pain within the first six weeks unless there are certain red flags. Also, you should not get antibiotics for an acute sinus infection unless symptoms last for seven or more days, or begin to worsen.
In addition, patients often ask for tests, treatments and procedures that are not always in their best interest. And health care providers have frequently granted those requests in the past. Thankfully, we are moving toward a more effective system of delivering and receiving health care.
It’s OK to ask questions of your health-care provider. Here are five to start:
- Do I really need this test of procedure?
- What are the side effects?
- Are there simpler, safer options?
- What happens if I don’t do anything?
- How much does it cost, and will my insurance pay for it?
Some medical tests, treatments, and procedures provide little benefit. And in some cases, they may even cause harm. Talking to your health care provider is important to make sure you end up with the right amount of care – not too much and not too little.
Lisa Dunning is wellness programs manager at Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Bangor. To learn more about how to make your health-care system work for you, attend the Let’s Talk: Health Care Decisions Town Hall event from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 8, at The Dyke Center at Husson University, located at 1 College Circle in Bangor. Call 941-2865 to register. It’s organized by the Eastern Area Agency on Aging, Penobscot Community Heath Care, St. Joseph Healthcare and Maine Quality Counts.