5 ways health care spending can be curbed
June 23, 2014 9:05 AM
1. Antiobiotics
Drug-resistant infections are a growing problem. Resistant bacteria cause infections that are harder to cure and more costly to treat. Encourage employees to talk to their doctors about whether or not antibiotics are necessary for respiratory infections, ear infections, eye infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
Also see: Antiobiotics: When you need them and when you don't
[Image: Shutterstock]
2. Maternity care
Most babies need a full-term of at least 39 weeks to fully develop, but between 1990 and 2007 there were almost twice as many babies being born at 37 or 38 weeks. A main reason for this was scheduled C-sections and induced labor: C-section delivery has increased from 5.5% in 1970 to 32.9% in 2009 and induced labor has increased from 9.5% in 1990 to 23.1% in 2009. Early delivery of babies just to make it convenient for an employee or her doctor can increase the risk of serious problems.
Also see: Why early delivery of your baby is not a good idea
[Image: Shutterstock]
3. Imaging tests
Imaging tests for headaches, such as CT scans and MRIs, are often ordered for patients whith chronic or painful headaches, but these tests really arent necessary. They rarely diagnose the problem, there are associated risks like exposure to radiation, and theyre expensive.
Also see: Imaging tests for headaches: When you need a CT scan or MRI and when you don't
[Image: Shutterstock]
4. Regular health checkups
While its important to have a regular primary care provider, annual health checkups or physicals arent necessary for most people. Rather, annual physicals might actually be worse for employees health (and pocketbooks) since the physician may order unnecessary tests.
Also see: Health checkups: When you need them and when you don't
[Image: Shutterstock]
5. Allergies
Many people suffer from allergies, but its important to determine this from a doctors diagnosis, which will include a persons medical history. Over-the-counter allergy tests and screenings are available in supermarkets and drugstores, but theyre not always reliable. An unreliable test can alter an employees lifestyle for no reason, as well as cost them money.
Also see: Allergy tests: When you need them and when you don't
[Image: Shutterstock]
