PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Physicians do not usually talk to their patients about medical costs, and in many cases, physicians don't know the cost of care because it can be dependent on insurance coverage.
Should financial issues be discussed?
At a meeting of the Society of Internal Medicine, it was suggested that physicians talk with their patients about out-of-pocket costs — at least briefly. It can be an opportunity to talk about the importance of getting certain prescriptions filled or certain tests.
This is also a great chance to team up with patients and work together. An additional option is suggesting to patients that they ask the front office staff for assistance.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
