When it comes to your health, it's important to trust the opinions of doctors and other health practitioners. That said, you shouldn't discount trusting your own instincts as well. Eat Like A Hero explains how you can work both sides of the coin for your benefit.
Know how to make your health insurance work for you
Medical bills can be costly if you don't have the necessary health insurance to help cushion the blow. Moreover, if you don't have health insurance, now may be the perfect time to look into getting a policy so you can be better prepared for any eventuality. Two of the most popular health insurances are the High Deductible Health Plan and the Low Deductible Health Plan. Knowing how these options can affect your affordability is a good place to start when it comes to being more in control of your health as well as your finances.
Other newer types of health benefits are also available, such as Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs). A MERP works much the same as a Health Savings Account (HSA), where the cost of certain items are reimbursed. These items – including over-the-counter medicine, inhalers, eyeglasses, and Lasik surgery – often aren’t covered under traditional insurance.
Build a relationship with your doctor
Suppose you’ve visited your doctor many times over the years, but you haven't been proactive in the way you approached your health issues. If so, it's never too late to start being more proactive; the more questions you ask now, the more aware you’ll be of what agrees with you and what doesn't, based on your doctor's findings as well as your own intuition.
Keep tabs on your own medical records
As per legislation, you have the right to your own medical records, which means you can store them as you like for your own reference. Having a second copy of your medical records is always a good idea. Not only is there a lesser chance of these getting lost, but they can also serve as a reminder of the journey you've been on medically. Furthermore, they can also refresh your memory from procedures done long ago.
Moreover, you should make it a point to quickly complete the documentation as requested by your healthcare provider to save you time when booking appointments, as these are usually required upfront. Also, having a backup of your medical records will make it easier to bring these along with you if you were to consult with a different health practitioner who isn't as familiar with your medical history. If you are keen on saving time even more, then making use of a PDF editor tool will enable you to sign documents online without having to print them out first. All you need to do is upload a PDF document, sign on the dotted line, and then download and share it with whomever it concerns.
Double-check your medical bills
As with anything in life, mistakes can and do happen. However, when it comes to medical bills, even the slightest error can have an enormous impact on your pocket. Therefore, Med USA notes that it’s vital to keep an eye on your medical bills and go over these thoroughly to double-check that no mistakes have been made. Furthermore, if you're ever unsure about what is on the invoice, then don't hesitate to inquire about it as it is better to be safe than sorry.
Get a second opinion
Suppose you weren't happy with your first doctor's diagnosis because your gut feeling tells you otherwise, then, as Verywell Health points out, it may be a good idea to seek out a second opinion just to put your mind more at ease. For example, you could make your doctor's appointment online if you want the ease and convenience of speaking to someone over the phone or online instead of seeing them in person. Moreover, you will have access to a wide range of health care professionals who may be able to give you a more accurate and definitive diagnosis. And they're often more affordable, too.
Look for wellness products to keep you healthy
Last but certainly not least, invest in some quality wellness products that can help you stay on top of your health in between doctor’s visits. This could include anything from exercise bikes to monitors that keep a closer eye on the quality of your home’s indoor air. Before you begin buying any products, however, take some time to do a little research into which products are the best and which you should definitely leave on the shelf.
Certainly, taking ownership of your health needs will require due diligence on your part. But the results should make it worth your time and effort as you're likely to be more satisfied and more at peace with the results you've been given knowing they are as reliable as can be.
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Eat Like A Hero offers a tasty line of snack items especially for people transitioning into plant-based eating. Shop online today or contact us for more info!
