Turns out, it’s not an apple a day that keeps the doctor away. Rising healthcare costs is causing more and more Americans to delay scans or even forgo preventative screening prescribed by their physician.

According to the latest Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends more on healthcare than food. The study showed that the cost of medical care rose by 6.9 percent, while the cost of health insurance increased by 8.0 percent. “The worst part is that patients are putting off the care they need because they simply can’t afford it,” says Chris Snyder, Chief Operating Officer at Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg. “The good news is, patients can actually save money without sacrificing their health.”

If you’ve been putting off preventative care or prescribed tests for financial reasons, you’re not alone. In 2017, 15% of insured adults postponed healthcare due to cost. 1 in 5 uninsured adults went without needed medical care altogether.

How Delaying Healthcare Can Affect Your Health

“Although high deductibles were aimed at reducing unnecessary care, individuals are avoiding or delaying necessary care,” said Anuradha Jetty, M.P.H., a researcher at Robert Graham Center. According to Jetty, “Once this happens, more people will stop taking necessary medications, leading to a worsening of their conditions that may require hospitalization when their care tends to get more complicated. These are all consequences of having chronic conditions and more sickness, which will increase the overall cost over the long term.”

Accessing the Care You Need

You may be pleasantly surprised by the options you have for the care you need. Outpatient imaging facilities, for example, offer a high level of quality care for a great value. When searching for the best outpatient options, be sure to find a facility that is managed by Radiologists. Having experts in control of your care means lower cost and more convenience without sacrificing the quality of services you’d receive in a hospital setting.

Affordability Options

The best way to find more information about your affordability options is to simply call and ask. Calling providers to ask how much a treatment costs is a good start. The next step is to ask for help paying for it. Many providers offer affordability options such as payment plans and discounts. Chances are, providers will work with you to answer your questions and help you find the best options for paying for the healthcare you need. 

If you are looking for the highest quality care at the best value in the region, call Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg. We’re proud to save you an average of $176 per exam. That’s 27% less expensive than our competitors. We achieve 95% + in customer satisfaction at all of our locations and offer payment plans to make your imaging studies easier to budget. Our local experts provide a high level of customer service to answer your healthcare questions. Call us today: 540-741-9729