1. Maintain good health records that you have read and understand. There are several sources for keeping your records in an electronic storage bank for easy access that you may want to use. Start by going to a government service named healthIt.gov or a private company called: webmdhealthrecord.com or for veterans: myhealthevet. com. These sites believe we all benefit from better information about our health care and recovery from illness. Moreover, if we see a specialist, we can request those records be added to the private records we keep in our home office file. Stop relying on your memory or your scattered notes. Keep good, organized records. Keep your records current by recording every medical visit right after the visit and follow the recommendations listed. what medical specialties are available for critical health needs; where you can find the best doctor in that system who addresses your issue; and the best health insurance coverage you can find. You need to understand, as well, the referral process and the hospital staff roles so you can adapt well if you need hospitalization. Keep a file of the finest medical specialist in your area. Ask around for a recommendation from friends and key professionals so you will know where to go when you need assistance. For major medical crisis, go to nationally recognized medical firms (i.e., Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, the Cleveland Clinic, etc.) that specialize in giving second options about diagnosis and treatment that your local doctor finds difficult to diagnosis and treat successfully. 3. …show more content…
You should become informed about your health reimbursement policies and the limits for your care. Talk to your health insurance representative about your questions. Look for the best policy that fits your special interests and needs. Carefully check medical billing statements and how well your insurance company paid for its share. Be sure you advocate for yourself if you feel you have been overcharged and wrongly billed. In addition, check your bills for prescriptive medication for accuracy and for proper coverage by your health insurance or Medicare reimbursement. Make certain, as well, your doctor uses as many generic medications as possible to keep the cost of medication under control. 4. Never be reluctant to get two estimates for any medical service you need. That includes examining the cost structure for hospitalization as well as hiring a medical specialist. It is possible to ask about costs in before using a medical center and specialist. …show more content…
For example, outpatient or freestanding medical clinics often perform even major surgery, and their costs are significantly less than a local hospital. Hospitalization usually costs more, so raise the issue about where good surgery can be offered at the least cost possible. Question the cost of hospital care and the choice of inpatient care with your doctor before you decide on a hospital.
5. If you have a long period of recovery from surgery or need a structured course of rehabilitation, make certain you plan well. Talk to the chief of surgery or the director of that recovery program. Ask key questions and develop a plan for recovery. People usually do better if they know what they need to do and what precautions to take. Find ways, as well, to keep your mind active and maintain social contacts and family connections. Try to normalize your life as much as you can. Try to find tasks you can complete and enjoy while you are engaged in rehabilitation or recovery. 6. One area in planning for senior health care that is neglected is planning for long-term care. If you do no preparation, it is likely it will be forced on you in a crisis situation. Unfortunately, long-term insurance is too expensive for even the middle-class today. Some life insurance policies have a rider you can select for long-term coverage, while some long-term policies cover just a small portion or a specialized part of your risk. Nevertheless, develop