Hospital Stay Wisdom

Cut costs by getting out as soon as you can

(HealthDayNews) -- If you're hospitalized for any reason, don't stay any longer than you need to.

According to the University of Michigan, the daily rate in some hospitals is about $1,000. And that may exclude costs for treatments, medicines or physician fees.

Here are some ways you can save on hospital costs:

  • Choose outpatient services whenever you can. Many routine lab and diagnostic tests, and surgeries can be done for less money as an outpatient.
  • Ask your doctor about home health care, which can provide a wide range of services for less money than in a hospital.
  • Beware of test duplication. Ask your doctor which blood tests, X-rays, and medical procedures you can expect.
  • Know when checkout time is. If you miss the deadline, you're likely to be charged for an extra day's stay.
  • If your health problem isn't an emergency, avoid being admitted to a hospital on a weekend, since testing will usually not begin until Monday.
  • Keep a list of all services you receive in the hospital. And ask for an itemized bill so you can make sure you're billed correctly.

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