September 2001
A question can save time from work
Being sick or having a chronic illness can be further complicated by time lost from work. You can minimize this by working with your doctor.
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Omar was referred to the neurologist because he was tired all the time and kept his wife awake at night snoring. The neurologist did a complete examination and ordered a sleep study to be done at an affiliated hospital.
The hospital asked Omar to come in and see their neurologist before the sleep study was scheduled. He questioned the need to see a second neurologist.
He agreed to submit his neurologist's report and results of laboratory tests for review by the hospital neurologist. He determined that the sleep study could be scheduled without a visit.
Omar saved over $500 by avoiding an unnecessary appointment and a sick day to keep the appointment.
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We must ask about the necessity of a doctor's appointment or test. Our providers are very busy. Omar's neurologist did not realize that the sleep center wanted him to see another neurologist. Luckily he asked and avoided an unnecessary appointment. We need to take the initiative and ask.
Key questions are:
- Why do I need the test?
- What information are you looking for?
- How long will the test take?
- When will I get the results?
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