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Medical Prices

March 3rd, 2021 at 08:50 pm

Even though I’m living away from home, I followed up on some medical tests – bloodwork, an ultrasound, and a baseline bone density scan. I am thankful that my doctor suggested the bone density scan because it showed that I already have osteoporosis in my spine. Yikes! I’m researching osteoporosis now.

 

Our family deductible was already met so the out-of-pocket costs for those things was insignificant, about $30. What surprised me though was the price of the bone density scan. It was about $100. Given my results and the fact that it’s a quick and painless procedure, I may choose to have them annually even if insurance doesn’t cover them that often.

 

On the other side of the fence, Dad’s hospital bill – just the hospital bill – for his organ transplant is $289k. With the associated bills for the professionals involved, it’ll be at least $350k. He’s doubly insured so his cost should be a tiny fraction of that.

2 Responses to “Medical Prices”

  1. PatientSaver Says:
    1614872900

    I am so sorry to hear this; I left a comment on another of your posts where you mentioned it. Just FYI, it what you got was a DEXA scan, I don't believe you're allowed to get more than one every two years, on account of the radiation. That makes it harder to gauge whether your efforts to eat right and exercise have really made a difference, but I'm in a similar boat to you, as I was told a year ago I have osteopenia. They don't typically recommend any drugs for osteopenia (not that I would take them, as bone drugs are scary s***.

    I asked for the DEXA scan when I saw my primary care doc during my physical, because my mother had osteoporosis. I can't say my doc, much as I like her, really recommended anything, and this happened just as the pandemic broke, so I deferred seeing any doctors all year.

    I am only now looking to schedule time with an endocrinologist who likely will do some more tests. Check out betterbones.com. There's a ton of info there. Most women lose the most bone in the years following menopause. I regret I was not totally focused in on this at that time, but oh well. There is still much you can do to preserve what bone you have and even reverse it if you're willing to do some serious exercising, and I don't mean walking! And clean up your diet. I have tons of bookmarked articles if you want any.

  2. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1614881566

    Crazy you already met your family deductible by march

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