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Making health care choices

Last update: August 2, 2008 - 10:02 PM

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MAKING HEALTH CARE CHOICES

It used to be that you got sick, went to the doctor, took your medicine, paid the bill and -- with luck -- got better. Now people are being asked to make more decisions about their own health care -- and researchers say that will result in better, cheaper care. Some areas where you may be asked to make choices:

CHOOSING HEALTH INSURANCE

Pros

More choices mean you can pick a plan that better meets your needs -- a full-service plan if you have health problems or a riskier, but maybe cheaper, high-deductible plan if you're healthy.

Cons

You can get overwhelmed comparing premiums, copays, deductibles, likely out-of-pocket costs, maximum yearly costs, health savings accounts and coverage.

Questions

What did you actually spend this year, and how might that change next year? What happens to your costs and coverage if you need more care next year? What questions should you write down and demand answers on from your insurance agent or employer?

For help

Get your company or insurance agent to pin down comparative costs and benefits. Some insurers have online calculators that let you plug in costs and compare plans.

ADOPTING A HEALTHFUL LIFESTYLE

Pros

Your insurance premiums may go down -- and you'll likely be in better health -- if you quit smoking, exercise more, eat right or make other lifestyle changes suggested by your employer or insurer.

Cons

Making changes takes time and commitment in your already busy life. Gear or health club memberships may have up-front costs.

Questions

Are you ready to make changes? Will you get support at work and home? What happens if you start and then quit?

For help

Get answers to those questions, preferably in writing, from your company human resources department or your insurer.

PICKING A DOCTOR

Pros

Finding a doctor or health team you trust makes it more likely you'll talk openly about concerns and follow through on care decisions.

Cons

Most people end up with a doctor by chance and stay there. Changing doctors or clinics can be hard work. You may need to "test drive" a doctor to see whether he or she listens well, communicates clearly and seems to care.

Questions

What do I want in a doctor? Who can make good recommendations?

For help

Minnesota Community Measurements (rates clinics on 12 types of care) is at www.mnhealthcare.org and Hospital Price Check (comparing hospital prices) is at www.minnesotahealthinfo.org, maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health.

MAKING HEALTH CARE DECISIONS

Pros

More doctors are urging patients to collaborate on health care decisions -- which experts say results in cheaper, higher-quality care that fits your daily life.

Cons

It takes time and effort to figure out your health goals. Your doctor can overwhelm you with information.

Questions

Do you want to participate in your health decisions? Do you want to discuss this with your doctor?

For help

Use the Ottawa Personal Decision Guide (decisionaid.ohri.ca/decguide.html) to help you organize your thoughts.

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