Last Minute Use of Health Insurance

[Rudey]

I only have 2 weeks for my health insurance before it expires.

I'd had this crap deducted from my paycheck for way too long and never used it.

Anyone have any ideas, short of breaking my own bones, on how to get my money's worth in the next 2 weeks?

-Rudey

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Get a thorough exam and a flu shot. Blood work can be expensive.

[ZTAngel]

Get pregnant.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by Peaches-n-Cream
Get a thorough exam and a flu shot. Blood work can be expensive.

Stupid question. But how do I get that? I can go to any doctor so that's not an issue. Can I just call a hospital and ask for it? I also want one of those tests where they make you run on a treadmill like in the movies. I have no idea what it is.

-Rudey

[xo_kathy]

Pick a doctor and call them up. Say you need a complete physical with blood work. Be sure to explain your time frame. Also ask for the flu shot at the same time.

The running thing is a stress test - not sure they would do that for someone under 40 who doesn't have a history of some sort...but I'm no doctor! Just ask them and see.

[KSigkid]

Blood tests, especially for cholesterol, C-reactive protein and all that stuff. You can find any primary care physician, say you want a physical, and just have them do a full blood panel on you.

Flu shots are a good idea as well.

[DolphinChicaDDD]

You should go to a pulmonologist.

Make sure its one of the guys that does the high tech breathing thing. They put you in this little glass tube thing, and you have to breathe into some little valve thing. Then you get some kind of thing to trick your lungs into having an asthma attack. Finally, you get an impressive graph of your breathing abilities.

I had the graph hanging up on my wall for awhile. I had no idea what any of the lung function capacity things meant, but it was really awsome looking.

I need to find those graphs.


ETA: Ask for a scratch test too, so you can find out what you are allergic to.

[agdbirmingham]

How about allergy tests? They aren't fun, but may be worth getting them done.

Stupid question, but are you sure your insurance doesn't run out at the end of the month? Most places I have worked the insurance was still good for awhile after I stopped paying (because I always seemed to have to pay at the beginnig before I was covered.).

[kddani]

If you have dental, go get your teeth cleaned and whatever else needs done.

[Radiant_One]

What insurance do you have? As someone stated earlier, have a complete physical done by your PCP While you're at it, see a few specialist(s) as well - have an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, get your eyes checked.

Make sure you are in network (PPO) and do not require referrals or else you will find yourself without insurance and paying out of pocket expenses

[Beanblossom1]

Schedule an appointment for a yearly exam. If your insurance stipulates that you must be ill, make up some ailment - hasn't your back been hurting lately?. Maybe you'll get really 'sick' on the weekend when your doctor is closed and have to visit the ER.

Teeth cleaning is a good suggestion. My personal favorite was the pregnancy idea.

[Senusret I]

My PPO covers counselors, acupuncture, and chiropractors -- that's a good way to test the limits of your plan.

[JenMarie]

I second the teeth cleaning idea and really wish I would have taken that advice.

And bless your soul for being a healthy person. COBRA is a bitch and half.

[aggieAXO]

Rudey,

you need an FeLv and FIV test and a fecal-I can help you out
I then can vaccinate you for rabies.

edit to add: are you interested in a neuter as well?

[winnieb]

My insurance covers massages if done by a "liscensed massage therapist". It is hard to find someone who takes the insurance, but if your policy covers that then go start getting massages. I have to have a "reason"--headache usually qualifies. You could have a massage every day until your policy runs out.