Money is one of those things that is always in short supply for most of us and medical bills can be incredibly expensive, so when we came across this article posted on ABC News.com on September 7, 2011 we felt it was our civic duty to share it with you.

The article references a recent post on Consumer Reports that tells us all about how it may be possible to save big money on medical bills and medication by using an old though little used technique called haggling.

“I have become impressed with how often American households are unable to afford their medical bills and medications, and they’re doing various things, like not taking their medications or taking someone else’s, because they can’t afford them,” said Dr. John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center and author of the column.

He goes on to tell us how it is best to talk to your doctor before expensive bills are incurred.

“It helps to know from folks the degree to which financial issues are a stress for them, especially related to health,” Santa said. “This works best if the physician is aware of this from the start. If you’re struggling to keep your head above water, tell the doctor anything he can do to moderate cost is appreciated.”

What most people do not realize is that often there are several different treatment options open to them, some of which are significantly less expensive then others, so speaking with your doctor about financial concerns can help reduce treatment costs when possible.

“This recommendation makes sense to me in today’s world,” said Alan Sager, professor of health policy and management at Boston University School of Public Health. “In a more reasonable world, of course, all patients would be insured and all would pay the same price for the same care. And doctors and hospitals would be financially neutral, liberating them to recommend care in light of its clinical value.”

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