Between meeting the complex needs of patients and working alongside a competitive pharmaceutical industry, the price for good health is often unattainable for many Americans. Thankfully, technology has our back. In this article, we present a list of 3 tools to help you manage your healthcare costs so you can get the health you deserve.
1. Prescription Savings Apps
Although most doctors in the US use electronic health records (EHR), some are less welcoming to these changes. Unfortunately, that reluctance falls on the patients’ shoulders, who end up missing out on the transparency benefits of high-tech solutions. EHR technology not only allows your doctor to see your treatment plan and coverage in one place, but it also shows price alternatives to medications.
Patients deserve the right to access correct medications at the lowest prices. Smartphone apps that track prescription prices and assist with savings like GoodRx and Express Scripts are around to give that power back to the patient. The patient’s information is linked to medications prescribed and the prices that match these needs. All medications listed state whether additional information is needed, such as prior authorization or out-of-pocket costs.
Now, patients have the power to choose the best prices for the medications they need. GoodRx also offers discounts that are found across pharmacies. Not every pharmacy will accept coupons, but price matching and the convenience of e-commerce are both quickly becoming expectations, suggesting change is in the air for better accommodations. Price integrity is even becoming a necessity for industries outside of healthcare. For instance, if you need auto body repair procedures, cloud estimating will provide customers with repair costs that match make and model price data.
2. Telehealth Medicine Services
Telehealth is typically cheaper than in-person visits. Depending on the telehealth services you use and your insurance plan, costs will vary. Costs for treatment are made even cheaper when you remove the costs for travel needed to see specialists or doctors located far away. Any childcare costs you would need to cover while you’re at your appointment are no longer necessary either. The remote accessibility of telehealth is also fitting for those who work from home. Based on a 2014 study, costs for telehealth appointments saved patients about $131 per visit. Most telehealth visits range between $40-$50, with in-persons appointments up to $176. Telehealth services that reflect these reduced costs include Doctor on Demand, Teladoc, and AMwell. For mental health concerns, we highly recommend online therapy solutions like Talkspace and BetterHelp, both of which offer postponed monthly billing.
3. Healthcare Pricing Comparison Apps
Using economic research, healthcare pricing comparison apps link patients to healthcare services at prices deemed fair based on the average fees in the area. You enter your zip code, and the specific service you’re looking for, i.e., lab work, mammogram, etc., and the app matches you with what is statistically fair for your area. Not only do you save money, but you also gain more insight into the kinds of facilities likely to overcharge for their services. If you’re looking to price shop, we recommend MDsave, an app that allows patients to browse through the costs for their services and determine the price and provider that makes the most sense for them. You get the same statistical data with the added freedom to find the best deals. The future of healthcare gives people the freedom to price shop for their healthcare in the same way they shop for packers and movers.
Perhaps one day, the US will adopt universal healthcare. Until then, these tools give more control to patients by offering solutions that help you save on healthcare costs. With more affordable options, you can take better care of your health.
