Making Informed Choices
This information can help you make informed choices. It is
designed to show how health care costs for similar illnesses
can vary by hospital. By using this information to let your
health care providers know you plan to take an active role,
you can make them more aware of the need for affordable, readily
available care.
The information comes from the MHA COMPdata program. This
data is grouped into illness categories which combined similar
diagnoses and treatments. There is a brief description of
each category.
The charges are averages based on the number of patients
and total charges for that illness category as reported during the stated time frame. How long you are in the hospital, the level
of care you receive, complications, special medical services,
and fee increases all affect the costs of hospital services.
Because these figures are averages, they will be different
from what you are actually billed.
Use this information to talk with your doctor about how to
get the best care while keeping costs down.
For questions, contact MHA at (406) 442-1911
Hospital and Patient Data
P.O. Box 5119
Helena, MT 59604
email: Roberta@mtha.org
e-mail: Bob@mtha.org
Examine Hospital and Medical Bills
Check all medical bills carefully for errors. Look to see
if you have been overcharged, billed more than once, or charged
for an item or service you did not receive. If you have trouble
understanding your bill, ask your doctor or the hospital for
an explanation.
Take Responsibility for Your Health
Play an active role in the health care of yourself and your
family. Be prepared for doctor visits. Don't wait for a medical
emergency to compare hospital or physician fees and services.
Plan. Choose an insurance plan that best meets your
needs. Select doctors and hospitals you trust, that work with
your insurance provider, and are reasonably priced.
Know your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
Know your personal and family medical history. Learn about
your illness or condition. Gather information about the latest
treatments and alternatives to surgery.
Act. Don't wait. Look into alternatives. Speak up.
Tell your doctor about your symptoms and what you think may
be causing them.
Ask Questions
You have the right to be involved in your care and treatment.
Have questions ready ahead of time to ask your doctor, insurance
representative, and the hospital:
- What do my symptoms mean?
- What tests do I need and why do I need them?
- What risks are involved if I have surgery?
- How long does the surgery take and how long do I need
to stay in the hospital?
- How much of the cost will my insurance cover?
- What items and services are included in the hospital charges?
- How soon can I return to my normal activities?
Avoid Unnecessary Treatment
Your doctor's decisions about your care can account for as
much as three-quarters of your medical bills. You can save
time and money by seeking the best treatment for your needs.
You can be more confident of your treatment and reduce unforeseen
costs if you choose a good insurance plan, use preferred providers,
and get second opinions. Find out your options by asking questions
such as:
- Is a surgery or medication necessary? Why?
- Can my tests or surgery be done somewhere else besides
the hospital?
- What other treatments are available?
- Can I make any changes, such as diet and exercise, that
might help my condition?
Prevent Illness and Injuries
The best way to avoid medical treatment is to practice preventive
care and create safe home and work environments.
- Get regular checkups and physical exams.
- Take free health tests when they are available, and share
the results with your physician.
- Schedule the health screening tests recommended for your
age, sex, and risk group.
- Wear a seat belt.
- Never drink and drive.
- Eliminate unsafe conditions at home and at work.
- Keep guns locked up.
- Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Wear a sun screen.
Develop a Healthy Lifestyle
Another way to avoid illness is to develop lifelong habits
that keep you healthy.
- Don't smoke.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay mentally active and involved with self, family, and
community.
- Keep a sense of humor about life.
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