How Skipping the Doc Can Cost You Money

There are a million different excuses for skipping out on regular doctor’s appointments. A packed calendar, overbooked physicians, and a plain lack of desire to sit in that waiting room for an extra hour all top the list, but there is a new reason that people are cutting back on health care: cost.

Results recently published by Consumer Reports found that 48% of individuals were skimping on medication and other forms of health care, a 9% increase from last year. Additionally, 48% of people taking a prescription medication either delayed a doctor’s appointment, procedure, or medical test to save money. Within that group, 28% of individuals said they took a significant risk with their health by either not filling a prescription, taking an expired prescription, or sharing a prescription with someone else.

With the rising costs of life’s many necessities, as well as the consistently challenging economy, every family has to reconsider what is most important. However, your health should always be a priority. By skipping out on doctor’s appointments and necessary prescriptions, you could be costing yourself thousands or more dollars down the road in health care costs. Preventive medicine is meant to be just that, a means of preventing future ailments. But without regular visits to the doctor, it can be nearly impossible to stay on top of silent and expensive issues like heart disease and hypertension.

Taking a broad approach to your wellness can help keep long-term costs down. If you find yourself on medications to maintain cholesterol, heart health, or diabetes, take strides to work on weight loss and increased physical activity. The healthier you are, the lower your health care costs will be. A well-rounded wellness program ensures that you attack the health care issue from both sides – regular doctor’s appointments become a necessity, as does a healthier approach to life. Paying the upfront costs of doctor’s visits, a better diet, and regular physical activity will help you hit the jackpot later in life.