Saving Money On Surgery

Medical bills are hard to save on. Discount medical care, coupons, etc are not really much of an option.

But we learned this week that there is one simple way to save, esp on big stuff, like surgery.

#1 Money Saving Tip on Medical Bills: 

Get a second opinion. 

This week David was scheduled to have surgery under general anesthesia.  A visit to the dr about some growths that looked a bit concerning led to the diagnosis that he needed them removed, one was possibly life-threatening and the other was too painful to remove in the office and would require general anesthesia to correct.

After my bought with cancer and the experience of a second opinion saving my life, we learned that those second opinions are sometimes very important. Esp on the big stuff, like, chemo, surgery, etc.

This second opinion saved us a big junk of change, at least $2000+ if not more. The dermatologist took care of the concerning growth in the office and let us know the other one was not an issue. $156 for the visit.

Even if it is not comfortable, you feel like you might be being disloyal or rude to your doctor, get a second opinion. Once it saved my life, as I was about to receive the wrong chemo agents and didn't know it until I went to another doctor. This time, David was spared a financial strain that we seriously could not afford and the time spent recovering from surgery, etc.

Thankfully, sometimes you can save money just by asking.

DIY Toothpaste?

Image via Wikipedia

Ever wonder if there are better ways to brush your teeth? Or something cheaper, simpler to put on the brush?

Okay, maybe most people don't think about such boring things, but I have wondered about it. I mean, what it in toothpaste, anyway? And is the only option for DIY toothpaste to stick nasty baking soda on your brush and pucker while you brush?

So, last night, I tried it. I looked up some recipes online and then charged off to mix a batch for the nightly ritual. I was surprised at how easy it was, how much it made and the effectiveness of the end result.

If you are interested, here is the recipe I tried.

Even my kids liked it. I used some peppermint extract, about half as much as called for in the recipe. My kids don't really like "hot" toothpaste.... =) I personally would like a bit more "mint" to my paste, so I may make another batch for David and I.

Mixing your own toothpaste may not be something you think about as you move the brush back and forth in your mouth. Then again, maybe now you will be thinking about how you could change up the stuff in your tube.......

Smart Medicine For A Healthier Child

A friend recommended this book to me tonight. Thought I would let my blog friends know about it... I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy!