Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Telemedicine May Offer Cheaper Options For Some Health Care
The Fiscal Times: Really Want to Lower Healthcare Costs? Stay Away From Your Doctor
Not all that long ago, the notion of obtaining medical advice and treatment over the phone, email or video seemed exotic and risky. ... But as Melinda Beck of The Wall Street Journal wrote on Monday, many of those obstacles and concerns have been surmounted, and the era of the “virtual doctor” is upon us. ... routine on line consultations typically cost about $45. That compares with $100 or more for an in-office visit, $160 for a visit to an urgent-care clinic and $750 or more at a hospital emergency room, according to The Journal. (Pianin, 6/28)
NerdWallet: Request Your Medical Records Before You Pay That Hospital Bill
It’s your right to access all of your hospital records — and the best reason to have them might be financial. If you’re hit with a huge medical bill that you think is erroneous or fraudulent, these records can prove you right or wrong. They’re the best account of what actually happened, more reliable than your memory or the doctor’s. (Glover, 6/28)
