Health-Care Savings Series—Day 3: Take advantage of free screenings and low-cost options

Oct 8, 2008 2:00 PM

Many workplaces offer free flu-shots, blood-pressure tests, and other health screenings. Ask your human resources department if your company is planning any.

Community health fairs put on by local universities, medical centers, insurance companies, and other health organizations may offer screenings for common cancers including skin cancer and prostate cancer, as well as heart health tests, blood-lead screenings, and even dental exams. (We even saw one that offered health screenings for pets!) Keep an eye out for local announcements, or try contacting your local government's health authority to see if they can help you locate free services. Just make sure they are affiliated with health care professionals you can trust.

If you're looking to screen for a particular condition, you might try a national organization. For example, the American Diabetes Association provides locations and dates online for its Diabetes Expo, which includes free health screenings, and other educational programs. If you need to find a free clinic for more comprehensive medical or dental care, the federal Health Resources and Service Administration can help you locate one nearby.

Finally, retail clinics have been popping up in big box stores, supermarkets, and drug stores in many parts of the country. They have longer hours than most primary physicians' offices and can save you money on routine urgent but non-emergency, care—for example, a strep throat or ear infection—when a costly emergency room visit may be your only other option. In 2007, we found that prices started at $59 for basic problems such as ear infections. Strep throat or bladder infection tests might run $69, probably more than a co-pay, but perhaps not as expensive as an emergency room visit if that's your only other option.

Some words of caution: Whenever you visit someone other than your primary care doctor remember to inform the clinician you see about all of your medical problems, medication, allergies or adverse drug reactions. Ask for a report with your diagnosis and any follow-up instructions, and give a copy to your regular doctor. Don't rely on an in-store clinic for ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

Tomorrow: Negotiate Your Medical Bills and Check for Errors