“What’s Up, Doc?” Blog Series Part 10: Fanks, Doc, I Pheel Bmuch Mbetter

Hi again, my friends!  Thank you so much for taking the virtual blog version of a doctor’s office visit with us.  Here is our tenth part in the series, How to make the most of your office visit- a multi-part series.”  Check out parts one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine. And now, a segment we call “Fanks, Doc, I Pheeell Bmuch Mbetter.”  Your clothes are on and you’re out the door.  On your walk to the car, evaluate.  How did you do?  Did you get all your questions answered?  Did you already forget the answers? Do you need a follow-up visit?

1. If you need a follow-up appointment, don’t be shy!  Call the office and schedule a time to chat with the doctor OR email her OR have the nurse practitioner clarify.
2. What’s next?  Do you need to schedule lab tests?  Do you need to see a specialist?  Make sure they’re IN-network and cross-reference with Yelp and https://www.ratemds.com/ for the best of the best.
3. About those medications your doctor wants you to try… check out our blog, “Better Living Through (Cheaper) Chemistry!”
4. Try finding the cheapest price at GoodRx.  Did you know … prices are different from pharmacy to pharmacy
5. If the drug isn’t in your plan’s formulary, follow-up with your doctor to call the insurance company for Prior Authorization.  If that doesn’t work, you can file an appeal but that takes a long time and doesn’t always work.
6. If the drugs your doc prescribed are too pricey, go to Canada!  Not really, but check out Pharmacy Checker for discounted Rx costs.  Or you can find discount pharmacy cards online.  OR you can Google the name of the drug + coupons and try that on for size.  Often these options can be cheaper than the cost of using your insurance for the drugs.  Who knew?  I did.  Now you do too!

I hope you’re feeling 100% healthy and don’t need a follow-up appointment.  Remember… while you aren’t the medical expert from watching episodes of “House,” “Nurse Jackie,” or “ER” reruns, you ARE the master of your own destiny.  When your spidey-sense is talking, listen.  When you see a bill is wrong, say something!  You are your own best advocate.  Share with me!  What are some great victories you’ve had in regards to your medical care?

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