I experienced a wake-up call this past week when I had an abnormal imaging study. I was referred to CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital Breast Care Center in Durango for a procedure. I was given an appointment and asked how much this procedure was going to cost. I was floored when I was told the cost would be $15,0000 and what I would be responsible for after my medical insurance paid.
This really bothered me, so I Googled what the average cost of this type of procedure would cost and to my surprise it was between $2,500-$3,500, one-fifth the cost of what I was going to be charged. At that point, I began calling other facilities in the Four Corners to see what the cost was for this same procedure.
I learned that San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington would charge me $3,000, exactly what Google had said. I immediately canceled my original appointment and had my referral along with the imaging sent to this facility so that I could have the procedure done there.
My advice to anyone being referred for any procedure is to check around for the most cost-effective way to get what you need. Don’t follow the herd. Make smart health care decisions and be your own advocate.
Lucy Gasaway
Mancos
