Consumer Driven Healthcare

Shop around for healthcare

Being an informed healthcare consumer means doing some research. Sounds like a pain, doesn't it? Well, think about it this way: You probably do research online when you purchase items like cars and electronics. Why should your health be any different? If anything, researching healthcare is even more important!

Here are some ways you can "shop around" for healthcare:

Compare healthcare providers

In recent years, consumers, insurers, employers, and even providers have pushed for greater "transparency" in healthcare. Transparency means access to information about providers, procedures, prescriptions, and the like.

Where do you find this information? First, check your insurer's Website. Many insurers offer tools to help you compare hospitals and doctors and estimate costs for common procedures. For instance, Humana has a "Compare Hospitals" tool where members can view information such as complication rates and average length of stay, as well as estimated costs for a procedure. You also can compare doctors online. Some insurers' tools compare doctors based on costs. Others show performance results based on an analysis of claims and adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Some do both.

If your insurer doesn't offer this type of information, look for other Websites that do. The tools are out there - but you may need to look around.

And remember, this cost information is only for reference - you shouldn't avoid getting healthcare because of it. Work with your healthcare providers to make decisions that are good for your health and fit your budget.

Ask about lower-cost drugs

Has your doctor prescribed a brand-name medication? In many cases, you can get the same results for less money by choosing generic drugs. So before your doctor finishes writing your prescription, ask about generic equivalents, lower-cost brand-name drugs that treat the same condition, and even over-the-counter options. If you take an alternative drug and don't think it works as well, you always can go back to the brand-name drug you used before.

Another option is to call your health insurer or visit their Website. For instance, Humana offers an online tool called the "Rx Calculator" that helps members estimate out-of-pocket prescription drug costs and view possible alternatives.

Look into freestanding surgery and diagnostic centers

If you need outpatient surgery, you may save money by having it done at an ambulatory surgery center - a freestanding clinic that isn't in a hospital or a facility operated by a hospital. And freestanding diagnostic clinics usually charge less than hospital-run facilities for tests like MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and bone density scans. But before you go to one of these facilities, do two things: make sure the facility is part of your plan's network, and check your plan to make sure your benefits cover the service.

Watch Healthcare Video: What is consumer-driven healthcare?