Make The Most Of Your Health Insurance Deductible
If you’re like most people, you’re probably really busy at the end of the year. You are probably thinking about all the things on your holiday to-do list rather than scheduling preventive health care procedures . However, you should be thinking about your health. If you have met or are close to meeting your insurance deductible this year, skipping routine health care procedures could waste your hard-earned money.
When Do Deductibles Reset?
When January 1st rolls around, your deductible will reset back to zero. Make sure you get the most out of your health insurance. Schedule your routine health care procedures before the year ends.
Preparing for a Colonoscopy
People commonly put off colonoscopies, especially if they aren’t experiencing any symptoms. In fact, the American Cancer Society’s statistics predict that approximately 1 in 3 adults isn’t current on their colon cancer screenings, even though a colonoscopy is the best way to detect and prevent colon cancer.
If you’re considering your first colonoscopy or suspect it’s time for another colon cancer screening , don’t wait any longer. You just might be one phone call away from a low or no cost to you colonoscopy.
Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way:
1) Find out if it is time for you to have a colonoscopy.
This will depend on your age and personal risk factors. The recommended age to begin screening for colon cancer—according to the American Cancer Society—just dropped to 45 years old if you are at average risk. If you have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, you may need to begin colon cancer screenings even earlier. Ask your doctor about when you should have your first colonoscopy.
If you’ve already had your first colonoscopy, it’s vital to know when your next one is due. Usually, if your initial colonoscopy comes back normal, you won’t need another screening for 10 years. If you have an increased risk of colon cancer or if your doctor finds polyps during your first colonoscopy, you may need more frequent screenings. Check with your doctor.
2) Get out your insurance card.
Look on the back of your insurance card for a number to Member Services. Ask them the following questions:
- What is my deductible and how much have I met of it this year?
- What specialists and facilities are covered under my plan? You can save a lot of money by choosing your gastroenterologist from this list.
- Do I need a referral from my primary care physician to see a specialist or get a colon cancer screening?
3) Take the Tulsa Endo Free Colonoscopy quiz
You may be eligible for a free or low-cost colonoscopy, even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible. Take our colonoscopy quiz to find out if you’re eligible for a colonoscopy.
Schedule your colonoscopy
Don’t put it off any longer. If you’re due for a colon cancer screening, pick up the phone and request your appointment at Tulsa Endoscopy Center today: 918-438-7050. It might just be the most important decision you make for your health all year.