The Patient’s Guide to Getting the Best Medical Care at the Best Possible Price
What the Uninsured or Underinsured Self-Paying Patient Needs to Know and Do before Getting Medical Care
JAY B. WILLIAMSON, MA/MBA
SPHC Publishing
A Subsidiary of Self-Pay Healthcare LLC
Copyright © 2011 Jay B. Williamson
Published by SPHC Publishing
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained therein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address SPHC Publishing, P.O Box 6944, Columbia, MD 21045.
ISBN: 1453706593
ISBN-13: 978-1453706596
Printed in the United States of America
Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted.
The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.
CONTENTS
Preface v
1. Introduction – The Uninsured and Underinsured 1
2. Medical Insurance and the American Healthcare System 7
3. Medical Debt 11
4. Why You Should Negotiate Before Receiving Medical Care 13
5. How Much You Should Pay for Care 17
6. The Self-Pay System – Inpatient Hospital Care 23
7. The Self-Pay System – Outpatient Care 51
8. Summary 55
9. Conclusion 57
About the Author 59
Glossary 61
Preface
This guidebook was developed to help uninsured and underinsured individuals who need expensive medical care. Inspired by first-hand experience with the overwhelming challenges these individuals face, it is a guide for obtaining quality medical services at minimal financial expense.
By providing expert information and methods in a systematic and comprehensive format, this guidebook simplifies a complicated topic. Based on healthcare industry experience, intensive research and personal interviews, it communicates information the uninsured or underinsured patient needs to know when seeking medical care. Written in a direct style, it provides only the necessary knowledge needed by its reader.
It was through the willing input of hospital administrators and medical doctors that this guidebook could be developed. Their contributions and insights are
greatly appreciated.
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