Establish a relationship with an in-network primary care physician (PCP).
The first visit with a new doctor costs up to 50% more than a return visit. Avoid multiple first-time-visit charges by seeing one PCP who can get to know you personally and help manage your health.

TIP: If you use your free annual physical for your first visit with a new doctor, you can avoid the higher first-visit costs altogether.

Take advantage of free preventive care.
The Affordable Care Act requires that medical plans cover 100% of the cost of annual physicals and other age- and gender-appropriate preventive screenings, such as well-child exams, mammograms, colonoscopies and prostate screenings whether or not you’ve met your deductible.

Use telemedicine instead of seeing your PCP.
Online consultations with board-certified doctors cost about the same as a PCP office visit without traffic or waiting rooms. Telemedicine is available 24/7 for non-emergent health concerns through your phone, computer or tablet. Contact your insurance carrier to learn about your telemedicine options.

Avoid getting care at a hospital (except for true emergencies).
Get X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other imaging tests at independent facilities. Just as with lab tests, non-hospital-affiliated imaging centers or sports medicine clinics can provide identical services for a fraction of the cost.

TIP: A non-emergency ER visit can cost you hundreds of dollars more than a PCP office visit. Consider telemedicine or urgent care instead whenever possible.

Use generic medications where possible.
Generic medications meet the same high standards set by the FDA and contain the same active ingredients, strength, safety standards and quality. Ask your doctor to prescribe a generic medication whenever possible.

Locate your closest in-network urgent care center.
Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide a convenient, lower-cost alternative for non-emergency care after hours and on weekends.

Use specialists only when referred by your PCP.
Specialists can charge more than double the cost of a typical office visit, and on your first visit to a specialist, you will incur additional first-time-visit or consultation fees. Also, make sure your PCP refers you to an in-network specialist.

Use national laboratory groups for blood tests.
Similar to the way you can take a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice, you can ask for a written lab order and take it to the lab of your choice. National laboratory groups have significantly lower prices.

Maintain a file of all lab and imaging results.
Rather than repeating costly tests, take your records with you to all of your doctor visits. This historical data also will help your doctor provide more comprehensive care.

Max out your healthcare savings.
The tax advantages available through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are hard to beat. No matter how you plan to cover your healthcare expenses, keep in mind that premiums are only one part of your cost of healthcare. Even if you’re a healthy person, unexpected healthcare needs can pop up anytime. We encourage you to do what you can to prepare!