Writer Gilbert Chesterton declared that “The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes….Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.” But for those of us with high deductible medical insurance, new feet and backbones may have to wait. The January 1 re-set means costs are entirely out of pocket until that limit is reached. But don’t let cost woes force you to postpone needed care, a simpler cash option may save money in the long run. A recent Forbes report describes that “about half of all people […]

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We sometimes fall victim to the belief that if something costs more, it must be worth more. Expensive cars mean luxury bells and whistles. Expensive clothes? Designer prestige and status. But is that necessarily true? Thanks to the internet, customer reviews, and comprehensive research rankings, it’s possible to get the same product for a wide variety of prices. Why pay more if you don’t have to? This also—surprisingly—applies to medical care. For families and groups belonging to a health sharing program or medical cost-sharing ministry stretching shared money benefits everyone …literally. These programs are formed when groups “of like-minded individuals agree to come together and help each other pay their medical expenses. They offer faith-based programs for planning for unforeseen medical expenses.” They are […]

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What exactly is health sharing and how does transparency pricing from physicians play an intracule roll? People are amazingly adaptable. They find creative ways to thrive even when money is tight and options seem limited. When it comes to the confusing world of medical insurance, there are more options out there than just large corporations. One of the latest trends is a Healthcare Sharing Program. In Washington State, two adults and one child can expect to pay anywhere from $1,300 to $1,950 a month for insurance according to Healthcare.gov. If this cost is out-of-pocket, with little or no employer assistance, some people turn to healthcare sharing programs as a way to keep costs low but still have a cushion in case […]

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We often seek medical treatment in one of two places: the doctor’s office or the hospital. But these days there are other options for skilled care. Depending on the procedure needed, outpatient ambulatory surgery centers may be just what the doctor ordered. By definition, ambulatory surgery centers (ASC’s) are “modern health care facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures.” Longview’s Pacific Surgical Center is one of these comprehensive medical hubs. They offer imaging, pre- and post-operative care, and outpatient treatment for urology, gastroenterology, podiatry, orthopedic, and general surgery needs with clearly posted transparency pricing. ASC’s are not a new concept. They began in the 1970’s and have since changed the landscape of medicine. The national ASC Association […]

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Savvy consumers know to shop around, read reviews, and consider all the options. Whether you’re looking to save money, find the best warranty, or read customer feedback, it helps keep you in the know. And as we learned in school, knowledge is power. This seems obvious when shopping for Christmas presents, a new car, or the latest technology. But when it comes to medical issues, many of us consider our doctor’s word to be law. We don’t ask questions about alternative treatment, medication side-effects, or surgical options. If you’ve been told surgery is in the cards, step back and consider your many self-directed options. For those with standard medical insurance, it may feel odd to shop around within the approved […]

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We live in an à la carte society, where everything from entertainment to clothing is available by subscription. Now, in many places, you can add subscription medical to your list of monthly services. Maybe, to borrow a phrase from the cable industry, it’s time to cut the cord on your traditional health insurance carrier. Though the idea has been around for a while, it’s only recently that subscription medical has really taken off. Also known as ‘direct primary care’ or ‘membership medicine,’ subscription medical isn’t the same as its posher-sounding cousin ‘concierge medicine.’ Industry experts define it as “a newer type of primary-care medical practice that doesn’t accept health insurance. Instead, member patients pay a subscription fee, typically on a monthly basis. […]

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If you work for a large corporation, organization, or employer, medical insurance probably doesn’t cross your mind very often. It’s a comforting constant, used without much thought. But for small businesses, there are other options than outsourcing to a big-named company. One that’s increasing in popularity is self-funded insurance. With a fully-funded plan, the coordinating insurance company selects which doctors and services are covered. To self-funded plans, saving money is key so clinics like Longview’s Pacific Surgical Center (PSC) are a lifesaver. Their commitment to up-front, transparency pricing means every dollar goes further and more people can benefit. Self-funded coverage is different than simply saving for a rainy day. It’s sometimes confused with official products aimed at supporting individuals with low-cost/high deductible corporate plans. […]

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Over the course of a day, our hands take a beating. Multiply that by months, years, and decades, it’s no wonder they often become a source of aches and pains as we age. One of their most common ailments is carpal tunnel syndrome. The good news is, thanks to Longview’s Pacific Surgical Center (PSC), relief is achievable. The American College of Rheumatology explains that “Carpal tunnel syndrome is possibly the most common nerve disorder experienced today. It affects 4-10 million Americans and is usually very treatable. Middle-aged to older individuals are more likely to develop the syndrome than younger persons, and females three times more frequently than males.” They describe that the carpal tunnel is found in your wrist, just beneath the surface of […]

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Movies would have us believe that medical tourism means flying to a remote, unregulated city for a procedure that’s unconventional, unnecessary, or dangerous. But thanks to the twenty-first-century ease of travel and accessibility of research, medical tourism may help you find skilled physicians, save money, and receive the best care possible. Globally, many people consider the U.S. a medical tourism hub. Thanks to clinics like Longview’s Pacific Surgical Center (PSC), patients from Canada and beyond can find a one-stop-shop for all their outpatient surgical needs. PSC doctors work with your medical team to determine the best course of treatment. Costs include surgery, the facility fee, surgeon’s fee, and anesthesiologist’s fee, and financial counselors are always available to walk you through the entire process. For many people, posted […]

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School is about to start but for many active families, team sports are already well underway. Whether your high schooler plays baseball, football, soccer, basketball, or runs track, there are plenty of extra appointments, requirements, and forms to fill out. Teams galore, from varsity to community rec league, know that training, supervision, and medical care can keep sports injuries from becoming debilitating, life-long issues. At Longview’s Pacific Surgical Center (PSC), skilled physicians are adept at using cutting-edge, minimally invasive outpatient surgery to treat athletes young and old. And thanks to multiple specialties under one roof and up-front transparency pricing, families always know what to expect from start to finish. Injuries in childhood—especially if sustained through repeated sports stresses—can return to […]

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