The Price of Health: Paying for Diagnostic Imaging
 

Diagnostic imaging is a wonderful tool for health care. Diagnostic imaging exams help your doctor see what is happening inside your body without having to do surgery.

As technology advances, diagnostic imaging becomes more useful. It also becomes more expensive.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Diagnostic Imaging

1. Talk to Your Doctor about the Exam

Your doctor has your best interests in mind and orders diagnostic imaging exams to ensure you are receiving the best care. However, there are times when a conversation with your doctor may lead you both to decide that a diagnostic imaging exam actually isn’t necessary. Here are a couple of questions to ask:

• Will the test provide information you cannot get through any other method?

• Will the test change the way you treat my problem?

Perhaps another type of exam or an exam you have had recently will provide her with the information she needs. Also, if the diagnostic imaging exam will not change the way she treats your problem, it may not be worth the time, stress, and expense involved.

2. Go to the Lowest Cost Quality Testing Facility

When it comes to your health, you should not sacrifice quality to save money. There are ways to ensure that your out-of-pocket expenses for a diagnostic exam will not be too high and that you still receive quality care:

• Ask your doctor about the best place to have your test done.

• Different facilities charge differently for exams. Shop around.

• Ask your doctor if St. John’s Health System will cover the entire cost of the exam. If she is not sure, call St. John’s Health System.

With the right information, you can be sure to receive the best care at the best cost.