Questions You Should Ask About Healthcare Costs

Information is power. If you’re informed about your healthcare choices and costs, you can make the best possible decision for yourself or loved one. But in order to do that, you have to get the information—and most patients don’t know how to get it.

Below are some questions you can ask different individuals in the medical system, especially doctors. The questions are designed to help you know more and get the most out of your healthcare while saving money.

1. Where can I get the best care for my money?
2. Does your office follow AHRQ’s recommended quality standards? (AHRQ is a federal agency designed to improve healthcare quality and safety.)
3. What are my true out-of-pocket costs for services from:
   • The doctor?
   • The hospital?
   • Other providers involved in my care?
   • The pharmacy (medicines)?
4. What are the benefits of doing or not doing a treatment, procedure, or test?
5. Are there less expensive treatment options available?
6. Is there a difference in price depending on where a test or procedure is done?
7. Will the insurance cover the test or drug you ordered? If not, why not?
8. If you’re affiliated with a hospital, does that affect my total cost?
9. If there is a recovery process, will it require any therapy or medical equipment? Will there be additional charges?
10. What if I can’t pay?