Top Ten Tips - Preparing For Medical Tests
By Tip Diva | Feb 10, 2008
Categories: Behavior, Clothing, Doctor, Driving, Etiquette, Insurance, Medical, Medicine, Money, Prescriptions, Safety, Tips
Most people have to take medical tests at some point in their lives, whether one-off or recurring. Here’s how to make preparing for these medical tests easier:
- Stick To Your Appointment - Appointments for medical tests are usually harder to make and have longer appointment times. Make sure you stick to your appointment. And arrive early - some test require you fill documentation ahead of time. If you have to cancel, call early enough (at least 48 hours) to let the doctor know. If not, you may be subject to a hefty cancellation fee.
- If You Have To Fast, Make Early Appointment - Many test require you to fast beforehand, so if you have such a test, try to make your schedule it for early in the morning. Believe Tip Diva - you’ll get very hungry.
- Make Sure Your Insurance Gives Authorization - Many insurance carriers require authorization for tests, so make sure you get an authorization number before the test. This can take up to two weeks, so do it early.
- If You Don’t Have Insurance, Work Out A Payment Plan - Many people do not have insurance, but do not let this stop you from getting essential tests done. Talk to your doctor ahead of time and work out a payment plan. Many hospitals also have financial aid plans that will also cover the cost of treatment.
- Let Doctor Know If You Have Problems Or Conditions - If you take medicine, have high anxiety, are claustrophobic, are pregnant or have any other condition that may affect the outcome of your test, let your doctor know beforehand.
- Follow Test Preparation And Execution Exactly - You may have to fast, shower, drink barium, stay still or do a whole slew of activities both prior to and during the medical test. Follow directions exactly, otherwise your test results could be affected.
- Bring Proper Documentation - Make sure you have your insurance card, prescriptions, any essential medical information and prior test results with you, as the doctor may need these.
- Wear Comfortable, Correct Clothing - Many tests have clothing requirements. For instance, you shouldn’t wear anything with metal, including jewelry, piercings, bras or zippers if you’re getting an x-ray, MRI, PET or CT scan. Wear clothes that are easy to take off, if needed, and ones that are comfortable, if you are able to keep them on.
- Bring Someone With You - Make sure you bring someone to drive you home if the test sedates you in any way or will make driving home dangerous. In general, it’s always good to have someone there to be a “second ear” when hearing test results or your doctor’s concerns.
Other Tips To Check Out:
You have provided excellent information on preparing for medical tests. If you cannot afford insurance, a discount health plan will provide very substantial discounts on lab tests. Check this out at http://www.healthplansplus.net.
That is a pretty comprehensive list you have compiled. Bravo. I think, too often, people are apprehensive to undergo any medical testing because they have questions about many of the issues that you’ve addressed here. Patient education is key, and you’re doing your part.
Helene - Thank you for the tip on discount health plans.
Cory - thank you. I take it all from experience - and it’s amazing how much people don’t ask or know.