Health Screening Costs: How Much Is Too Much?
$11,365 can buy new furniture for your home, a memorable vacation, or deposit on a small piece of real estate. But it can also buy you a colonoscopy at your neighborhood hospital. That’s right!
Two weeks ago, my husband had a colonoscopy. Five years ago, he has his first screening. At that time, the doctor recommended a screening every five years. Today we received the hospital bill.
Due to an unrelated and previous health condition, his physician ordered the procedure to be completed at a hospital. The $11,365 does not include the doctor’s charges of about 3K! The procedure took less than hour and within four hours, he was headed home. But still, $11,365? That is outrageous. With our insurance coverage, the hospital will settle with an agreed upon payment with our insurance provider. We are blessed with health insurance. However; what irks me is that the uninsured, cash paying patient is charged more and pays more for the same procedure. I have seen the statements, so I know this to be true.
According to the Center for Disease Control, of the cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.
But with a 67% survival rate, early detection is key to fighting and surviving the disease. The average recommended screening age is 50 but, if you have a family history of CRC, you should talk to your doctor about early screening.
An estimated 147,950 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year and an estimated 53,200 will die from the disease.
With sufficient coverage, you can get a colonoscopy and decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.
But what if you do not have health insurance? With so many Americans underemployed or unemployed, I cannot help but wonder about the number of people who may have to forego the procedure due to lack of health insurance.
If you do not have health insurance, check out this site, Healthcare.gov. To find services near you, enter your zip code and the milage information. For more information on how to enroll and other special circumstances, click on the Topics button. I hope this site helps someone.
Of course, diet and lifestyle impacts every aspect of your body and your mind. To reduce your risks of CRC and other chronic health conditions, take inventory of your diet.
A diet high in fiber, eating plenty of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), eating less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), that have been linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer. Additional recommendations to lower your risk include:
· Exercise regularly
· Maintain a healthy diet
· Get screened
· Do not smoke
· Limit alcohol consumption
A healthy lifestyle is not extreme, and with so many fads that come and go, it is easy to get sucked in the latest trend. Don’t! Your diet should be tailored to meet your health needs and your lifestyle factors. If someone offers you a cookie-cutter meal plan, run!
While my diet and lifestyle is plant-based, I never push it on anyone. Each human body is unique and has different metabolic needs. As we age, nutrient needs change as well. What is most important is that your meals are balanced with fresh fruit and vegetables, fiber, healthy fat, whole grains, and protein. When you visit the doctor for your annual check up, have blood work done. A blood analysis will reveal vitamin deficiencies and you can adjust your diet accordingly.
Okay, so I have gotten off topic but improper nutrition can be linked to chronic diseases. Please take care of yourself.
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