Seven Reasons Regular Health Checkups With Your Doctor Save You Money
I recently had a friend who is young and fit get diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Since the condition is usually associated with advanced age and obesity, it was surprising to hear. However, with quick action and strict lifestyle changes, the condition is reversible.
Chronic conditions like this account for 86% of medical costs nationwide, according to the National Institute of Health. Regular doctor’s visits can support with prevention and disease management before conditions become a significant medical and financial burden. Here is why visiting the doctor regularly saves you money.
Budgeting For Predictable Costs
The National Institute of Health estimates that 50% of the United States population suffers from a chronic condition. If chronic conditions are not properly managed, the result can be increased hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and prescription costs.
The American Action Forum estimates that annual healthcare costs for someone with a chronic condition are about five times higher than for someone without a chronic condition.
Seeing a primary doctor regularly often includes a general health check and panel of tests, which is great for preventing or managing chronic conditions. Without chronic conditions, average healthcare expenses are around $1,206.40 per year, which adds up to about $100 per month.
With proper insurance coverage or disciplined monthly savings, these costs can be met much more easily than after a serious health condition has already arisen.
Protection From Preventable Illnesses
Regular health checkups can include vaccinations for preventable illnesses like influenza, shingles and polio, which could develop into serious conditions if not prevented.
Managing Chronic Condition Costs
Visiting your doctor regularly can ensure that you are on the right medications and dosages. Your doctor can also keep you informed about the latest updates in care, recent studies, clinical trials and new medications, which may be able to change the course of your care.
Avoiding Emergency Care
When you can catch and manage conditions early, along with preventing avoidable diseases, your odds of requiring emergency care are significantly reduced. According to GoodRX, an average emergency room visit costs between $2,400 and $2,600. That is around double the cost of annual care without an emergency or chronic condition.
Health Education And Lifestyle Advice
According to the National Institute of Health, more than 80% of chronic conditions can be avoided by implementing a healthy lifestyle. Getting the advice and being held accountable during regular visits can serve to keep you on the healthiest track, even if you’re already managing a chronic condition.
Mental Health Support
The National Institute of Mental Illness estimates that about one in five Americans struggle with a mental illness, with the young population suffering from higher rates of all levels of mental illnesses. Without treatment, many mental health conditions can significantly reduce your expected lifespan. Seeing your doctor frequently can support with spotting the need for a mental health professional.
Building A Relationship With Your Doctor
According to Harvard Healthcare, building a strong relationship with your doctor improves patient health outcomes. Beyond the benefits of having someone extremely familiar with your medical record leading to better customized care, good rapport with your doctor can produce health effects as beneficial as some common treatments, like using daily aspirin for heart attack prevention.
Conclusion
Regular doctor visits are vital for both financial and physical health. These check-ups enable early detection and management of health issues, minimizing the risk of costly emergencies and hospitalizations. In receiving routine healthcare, you can better manage predictable medical expenses and receive timely vaccinations. Ultimately, prioritizing regular doctor visits is a wise investment in your long-term health and financial stability, helping you lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
This article was originally published by me on Forbes.com.
This informational and educational article does not offer or constitute, and should not be relied upon as, tax or financial advice. Your unique needs, goals and circumstances require the individualized attention of your own tax and financial professionals whose advice and services will prevail over any information provided in this article. Equitable Advisors, LLC and its associates and affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice or services. Equitable Advisors, LLC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI and TN) and its affiliates do not endorse, approve or make any representations as to the accuracy, completeness or appropriateness of any part of any content linked to from this article.
Cicely Jones (CA Insurance Lic. #: 0K81625) offers securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN) and offers annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC, which conducts business in California as Equitable Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC). Financial Professionals may transact business and/or respond to inquiries only in state(s) in which they are properly qualified. Any compensation that Ms. Jones may receive for the publication of this article is earned separate from, and entirely outside of her capacities with, Equitable Advisors, LLC and Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of California, LLC). AGE-7430142.1 (12/24)(exp. 12/28)
