BNY Mellon Benefits Guide
Prepare for Your Doctor Visit
What questions do you want to ask? What questions are you afraid to ask? How much is it going to cost? You'll feel more comfortable if you spend a little time preparing for your visit before you go.
- Make a list of the things you want to discuss. With a list, you can be sure to cover everything you need and you'll be better able to answer your doctor's questions. Here are some suggestions of things to cover:
- Any symptoms you are having
- Smoking, eating, drinking and exercise habits
- Your health history
- Your family background
- Confirm whether the doctor is in-network or out-of-network. Whether you are searching for a primary care physician or have been going to the same doctor for many years, make sure you understand the financial savings associated with using doctors within your network. You can find an in-network doctor or facility contracted with Aetna or UnitedHealthcare, and compare providers and services by estimated costs and quality ratings, see "Castlight: Make Informed Health Care Choices" for more information.
- Explain the reason for your visit. When you make your appointment for your wellbeing visit or preventive screening, make sure that the purpose of your visit is properly understood, and be sure to confirm at the time of arrival. Assuming you use an in-network provider, taking these steps can help ensure your preventive services will be paid at 100 percent.
Note: During your checkup, if you receive a diagnosis for an issue, or treatment or screenings for a condition for which you have already been diagnosed, the visit is not considered preventive and the deductible and coinsurance will apply.
- Ask about the cost of care. When you call to schedule an appointment (preventive, diagnostic, etc.), you can ask the estimated cost. You can also use Castlight's cost estimator to understand the price before you go. Castlight provides personalized cost estimates based on your location, your medical option and whether you've met your deductible. See "Castlight: Make Informed Health Care Choices" for more information.
- Bring a list of all medications, allergies and other doctors you see. The more your doctor knows about your current health, the better he or she can get a grasp on your health needs. Include over-the-counter products (vitamins, herbal remedies, aspirin, etc.) so you can avoid drug interactions or side effects due to mixing medications. Be sure to review the CVS Value Formulary (list of covered prescription drugs), which can provide significant cost savings for you and your covered dependents by promoting the use of generic medications.
- Bring your medical ID card. Present your medical ID card at the time you receive care. When you see an in-network doctor, you don't pay anything at the time of your visit, but the doctor's office will need your ID card to confirm your coverage and determine your cost for treatment. After your visit, your doctor will send a bill to your health plan carrier. You may also receive a copy of this bill for your records—but you're still not required to pay anything yet.