101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care: Tips to Help You Spend Smart and Stay Healthy [Paperback]

Cynthia J. Koelker (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 1, 2010

Read Cynthia Koelker's blogs and other content on the Penguin Community.

"Dr. Cynthia Koelker gives us the inside scoop on how to save money at the doctor's office and still get great care. Even if you have insurance, 101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care will still help you save your hard-earned cash."
-Elizabeth Cohen, MPH, CNN senior medical correspondent, author of The Empowered Patient

For over twenty years, Ohio-based family physician Dr. Cynthia J. Koelker has made it her mission to help people lower their health care expenses. Now, in 101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care, Dr. Koelker shares her insider tips and information so that you too can save hundreds (even thousands!) without sacrificing your health.

101 Ways is loaded with simple, easy-to-understand tips on topics that everyone will find useful, including:

* How to save money on brand name drugs
* How to cut costs for chronic problems-from asthma to allergies
* How to ask for a hospital discount (it's easier than you think!)
* Ways to save money on glasses and contacts
* What websites you can trust to give you the best health information

Whether you are uninsured, or just looking to save money, this invaluable guide will show you how to stay healthy and hold onto your hard-earned dollars.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

As health insurers raise co-pays, approximately 45 million Americans have no coverage at all, and growing numbers risk playing prescription roulette—filling only two of three or four medications prescribed or taking medicines for chronic conditions every other day instead of daily—Koelker offers a much-needed doctor’s reference for readers hungry for help. Suggestions include splitting pills; requesting samples to save on prescription meds; accessing pharmaceutical companies’ coupons or rebates; and economizing on preventive care via free and low-cost testing at health fairs, health departments, and pharmacies. Koelker states, “Taking responsibility for our own health care is the first way to lower costs for each of us as individuals, as well as the nation at large. Thinking ahead would limit expensive trips to the emergency room . . . and many cases of chronic illness.” With an index and user-friendly appendixes listing general Internet resources, pharmacies with $4 per monthly generics, and proprietary and OTC websites “with offers,” this will circulate briskly. --Whitney Scott

Review

"In simple language, Dr. Koelker shares decades of experience to help people of all ages partner with their doctors to get excellent care and save money. It's like having a book written for you by your very own doctor."
-LeAnn Thieman, LPN, and coauthor of both editions of Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Plume; 1 edition (September 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452296943
• ISBN-13: 978-0452296947
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 7.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #571,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cynthia Koelker is a board-certified family physician with over twenty years experience. She is a member of Mensa and holds degrees from MIT, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the University of Akron. She served in the National Health Service Corps to finance her medical education. She maintains a private practice in Akron, Ohio.

Visit Dr. Koelker's Blog here on Amazon.

Or view all Blog entries at http://101waystosavemoneyonhealthcare.blogspot.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Things I Never Thought About August 30, 2010

By Wagner

Format:Paperback

As a person who has what some would call "Cadillac" Health Insurance, I mostly never thought about finding ways to save money on healthcare. My copays are nominal and my deductibles are relatively low. Little of the cost was coming out of my pocket so I never really worried about how much things cost.

The recent changes in our economy have led me to find ways to save money, and while our insurance coverage has stayed the same, I've been looking for ways to spend less wherever possible. In reading "101 Ways to Save Money on Healthcare" I learned about many different ways I could save money regardless of my insurance coverage. For example, while my prescription copay is only $10 for generics, I can get these same medications for $4 from some local pharmacies, and at others, they are free! Additionally, because my copay for an office visit is low (under $20) I never worried about the cost to see a doctor. This book includes valuable information on when to see a doctor and when to treat yourself (often with extra sleep or some chicken soup). In observing Dr. Koelker's advice, I've already saved a few copay's worth of money. And these are just the easiest examples to cite!

By reading this book, anyone could easily save more than the cost of the book, which makes it a worthwhile investment. This book is a resource for anyone who requires healthcare, regardless of how healthy you are or whether you have health insurance.

I am looking forward to reading the 2010 Edition to see what new tips are offered.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 101 Review November 29, 2009

By Cindy Rusinoff

Format:Paperback

This is a book you can sit down and read or grab in a emergency. Filled with useful information from a simple break out to knowing when to seek further help. I personally read it on my breaks at work just for the pure informational value that I might not have taken the time to look for before. The author is a doctor. To hear the real feelings and humor at times of how a professional person feels is refreshing. Once you read how simple some of the answers to our problems are you will be wondering why didn't I think of that.The book gives information on how to get help on medical bills and prescriptions as well very useful in the world today.She has done all the footwork we don't want to do or know how to do.Well worth the time to read and keep handy for emergency cases where you don't know should I seek further medical help or not could save you a lot in the long run.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A convenient,concise, Healthcare Savings Resource for today's Econony September 26, 2010

By Jeb Pritchard

Format:Paperback

Dr. Koelker has presented an offering of accumulated wisdom, expert knowledge, practical knowledge and genuine concern for others well being in an easy to access reference guide. The book can be read straight through for enjoyment and general knowledge, it also serves as a ready reference guide to anyone unsure about a myriad of health care related concerns. Focus has been given on the financial aspect of the "Health Care Experience ". Information is presented for the patient and somewhat uniquely the doctor's viewpoint. The doctor's viewpoint on saving money is clearly articulated and informative.
Starting with the first article on how to save money on health care. The first article is entitled " Avoid Unnecessary Doctor Visits/When to avoid the doctor". A statement that definitely sounds unfamiliar to most patients. The article explain in a clear way why and when doctor visits should/may be avoided. A definite money saver. The second article " Partner with your doctor/ When not to avoid the doctor", explains why and when you should go to the doctor. Appendix One offer patients orientated internet sites. Very useful for someone unsure of what websites offer the best and scientifically accurate medical advice and information. Appendix Two and Three give the reader a large offering of Pharmaceutical websites for Over the Counter and Prescription Medicine (respectively) discounts, rebates, trial offers and coupons. In all Dr. Koelker's "101 Ways to Save Money on Health Care" is an inexpensive reference guide that lay people to experts can learn from and apply the skills to save money and be a more informed consumer and in some cases immediately apply the advice to their medical costs.