Several steps can enhance patient care and reduce unnecessary costs. First, it's crucial to educate yourself about health insurance details such as deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and prescription medication plans. This knowledge is often not emphasized in medical training, yet it's essential for providing comprehensive care. Understanding the costs of the medications you frequently prescribe, as well as the prices of common tests and procedures, allows you to make more informed decisions and better communicate with patients about their financial responsibilities.
Secondly, assess your own practice. Instead of relying on habitual practices, take a close look at the costs associated with the medications and tests you routinely order. Evaluate whether every test and medication is necessary for each patient or if some could be optional. Pay particular attention to unnecessary tests, such as viral panels for patients with a viral illness. For instance, determining whether a patient has adenovirus might not be crucial when you can inform them that they have a viral illness that will resolve in a week. Such tests can cost $700 or more, a burden that often falls on patients due to high deductible plans. By being mindful of these factors, you can help reduce the financial strain on your patients while still providing high-quality care.
Neill Slater is an emergency physician.
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