Look Beyond Your Doctor When You Need Health Care Information

According to a recent survey by the National Business Group of Health, nine out of ten U.S. workers with a health condition look to sources other than their physician for advice. The findings were based on the responses of 1,588 workers between the ages of 22 and 69.;
The survey showed that over the past two years, 68 percent of the respondents researched their condition and possible treatments on the Internet. Listed below are the 10 most popular health web sites in 2007 according to eBizMBA.com.
1. Web Med http://www.webmd.com/
2. National Institutes of Health http://www.nih.gov/
3. Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/
4. Medicinenet.com http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/hp.asp
5. everydayHealth.com http://www.everydayhealth.com/
6. Healthline.com http://www.healthline.com/
7. RevolutionHealth.com http://www.revolutionhealth.com/
8. Drugs.com http://www.drugs.com/
9. MedHelp.org http://www.medhelp.org/
10. RxList.com http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp

The Internet wasn’t the only source of medical information those surveyed referenced. Sixty-seven percent relied on information from their health plan providers, 66 percent asked advice from friends and family members, 61 percent found information in magazine/newspaper articles, 59 percent read drug package inserts, and 54 percent sought advice from their employers.
Fifty-three percent of those surveyed said that the available medical information is too difficult for the average person to understand. However, 54 percent felt that the complexity of the information was no excuse to blindly trust that their doctor knew best.
The researchers discovered that different generations approached health care with different attitudes. Forty-five percent of respondents under age 50 prefer traditional medical procedures, while only 25 percent approve of new medical treatments. These figures were in sharp contrast with the responses of those over age 50. Thirty-six percent of them said they preferred tried and true methods, and 35 percent said they favored newer treatments.

There were also generational differences toward health care coverage. Approximately one-third of those polled under age 30 believe that if insurance covers health care costs, then patients shouldn’t concern themselves with underlying expenses. Only 14 percent of the workers age 60 and older surveyed felt this way. In addition, 47 percent of those under age 30 felt that more expensive treatments are more effective. Only 23 percent of those respondents over age 60 shared this opinion.


Sound Health Care Habits Can Trim Your Medical Expenses
With health care costs continually on the rise, health insurance has become an indispensable asset for those of us who don’t want to choose between bankruptcy and not taking care of a health issue. Health insurance plans, both private and employer-sponsored, already play a huge part in keeping Americans’ health care costs at reasonably manageable levels.
However, many Americans still pay more than they have to when it comes to their medical expenses. Moreover, most never realize it. If taking a few simple steps to cut your health care spending sounds like a promising idea to you, it’s time to take a closer look at your health care habits. By familiarizing yourself with your health insurance plan and fine-tuning your own personal practices, you can trim your medical expenses significantly.
Follow your plan. Many patients find themselves footing their own medical bills after visits to doctors who are not part of their health plan’s provider network. It pays to know who’s in your insurer’s network of physicians and hospitals so you can ensure that your claims won’t be rejected upon submission, or paid at a lower level of benefit than is provided for in-network care. Stay within your health plan’s network whenever possible and plan ahead for emergencies to dodge hefty hospital copays.
Besides familiarizing yourself with your health plan’s network, make sure that you follow whatever rules may pertain to your particular insurance company or policy structure. As these rules are often complex, it’s best to check with your insurer if you have a question about your coverage. Some insurance structures, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), will only cover visits to specialists if your primary care physician first refers you to them. While others, such as preferred provider organizations (PPOs), may provide some level of reimbursement for visits to out-of-network doctors, you will pay a larger portion of the bill than if you had used an in-network provider.
Raise your deductible, lower your premiums. This simple strategy is good advice for most types of coverage, from auto to health insurance. Many people who rarely visit hospitals pay high premiums just to keep their copays down. If you are in good health and don’t expect to make frequent physician visits above and beyond your regular checkups, you’re probably spending more on higher monthly premiums than you would be saving with a lower copay. Consider accepting a higher deductible to save money on your monthly premiums.
Watch your health. Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body and the mind, but few consider just how good it is for the bank account. While it seems simple, healthy living is one of the best financial habits that a health insurance buyer can practice. Keeping yourself in good health is a simple strategy that not only makes you feel better, but also saves you money by keeping you out of the doctor’s office. Research consistently shows that people who stay active and watch what they eat not only live longer, healthier lives, but also spend a fraction of what less healthy individuals pay for health care. Following a physician-approved exercise plan and quitting unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking can pay off in lower medical expenses and less-frequent doctor visits.
While maintaining a quality health insurance plan is a must, that shouldn’t be the bottom line where cost-cutting is concerned. There are plenty of additional opportunities to trim the fat from your health care expenses. By keeping a close eye on your health care habits, you can dodge extra costs, high payments and unnecessary trips to the hospital, and save that cash for your own use. After all, medicine should be about checkups, not check-writing.

About the Author

Oxonia Insurance Group is committed to helping our customers obtain Quality Health Insurance in the simplest way possible. We provide you with a free phone consultation from one of our licensed insurance agents who can help you find Affordable and Quality Individual Health Insurance, Family Health Insurance, Group Health Insurance, Short-Term Health Insurance and Mini Medical Plans. Oxonia is able to simplify the process for the consumer by offering health care plans from a multitude of top health insurance carriers. At Oxonia Insurance Group you can compare healthcare plans and find the best fit for your needs. Once our licensed agents have found the plan that best works for you, they will take your application right over the phone. Then, your health insurance application will be electronically submitted immediately to the carrier of your choice. Often, you can be approved and have coverage as soon as the next day! Oxonia currently sells health insurance in 47 states, and has developed partnerships with a multitude of health insurance providers that are highly rated companies, known to be consistent in providing excellent and reliable customer service, creative with product innovation and in tune with the needs of the consumer.