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Six Proverbs to Help You Get a Discount from your Doctor
1 The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Speak up – you’ll never get a discount if you don’t ask. Explain your financial situation and ask if the doctor is willing to take a little less, or allow monthly payments. Then stick to your word and comply with the agreement.
2 A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Every time a doctor has to bill a patient it costs time and money. Ask for a billing discount if you pay in full at the time of your visit. It may only be $5 to $10, but that’s enough for a meal.
3 Kill him with kindness. Doctors are people, too. They are much more likely to give a discount if you are polite, honest, kind, and thoughtful. Offer to mow the grass in exchange for blood tests or an office visit, etc. Bring a pie without even asking – you may find your bill is lower than expected.
4 Practice what you preach. If you don’t have enough money to pay the doctor, then you don’t have enough money to smoke, or drink, or buy lottery tickets, or take a fancy vacation. Convince your doctor that you are handling your money responsibly, then ask for a one-time discount until your finances are back in shape.
5 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When your doctor visits your place of business – hair salon, bakery, auto repair shop, etc. – give your doctor a discount. Do it with a smile. Your doctor won’t forget you and will treat you well in return.
6 Hard work never did anyone any harm. Odds are, your doctor works over 40 hours a week. If you want your doctor to give you a discount, let him know how hard you are working. Is it fair to expect a discount if you choose to work fewer hours than your doctor?
According to the CDC, Americans make about 900,000,000 office visits a year, or approximately 3 per person. If the >10% of Americans without health insurance each asked for and received a billing discount even once a year that would generate millions in savings.
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Potential annual savings by uninsured patients receiving a billing discount:
30,000,000 patients x $5 apiece just once a year = $150,000,000
Actual savings: Readers, let me know. Please share your success stories or ideas to help others by sending an email to: info@101waystosavemoneyonhealthcare.com
© Cynthia J Koelker, MD – All Rights reserved
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- Medical Bargaineering: 7 Tips to Save Money on Medical Expenses (bargaineering.com)
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- Bargaining With Your Doctor or Hospital (abcnews.go.com)
