by John B. Dooley, M.D.
Publisher, Mississippi Valley Health News Online
The financial crisis is touching all aspects of our economy including household budgets here in the Quad Cities – and healthcare is no exception. Here at the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center and Mississippi Valley Health Network, our physicians work to keep healthcare costs down: our training emphasizes minimally invasive procedures that promote faster healing; and our Surgery Center’s outpatient services can help you avoid expensive hospitalization.
John B. Dooley, M.D. - Mississippi Valley Surgery Center
We know unexpected medical costs can put an enormous strain on families. And, as costs and insurance deductibles and premiums increase, it’s a concern nationwide. Mike Leavitt, head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said recently that “If we had any idea how many mortgages were foreclosed because people were crowded out by medical issues…Health-care costs are at the heart of many things happening.”
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 28% of Americans reported that they or their families had a serious problem paying health insurance or medical bills because of changes in the economy.
Putting off life-saving screenings or critical procedures is not sound financial or healthcare planning. Screenings or procedures can detect or fix problems before the disease or injury worsens and treatment becomes expensive. Yet, if surgery becomes inevitable, there are ways to save money.
The Iowa Hospital Association publishes a Web site providing information on billed charges for all types of inpatient care and selected outpatient services. You can select a hospital by choosing a county or city by using the Iowa Hospital PricePoint System. The Surgery Center always encourages patients to call a facility and their insurer prior to surgery to see what you may owe.
The Mississippi Valley Surgery Center may offer a less expensive alternative. If you’d like more information or a free referral to our Network of specialists, call (563) 344-6653.
What we don’t know can ultimately cost us. Patients have the power to choose. It’s time to flex those muscles.
Dr. John Dooley is the Publisher of the Mississippi Valley Health News Online and serves as the Administrator of the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center, Davenport, IA. He is also a Partner in Anesthesia and Pain Consultants, P.C.
