Birmingham doctor gives tips on how to avoid unnecessary medical … – WSFA

Two psychologists have admitted admit to a $ 25 million scam of unnecessary testing on nursing home patients in Alabama.

So how do you make sure you are not paying for unnecessary tests?

“I think the first step to answering that question is you have to have faith and confidence in who you are going to,” says Dr. Fred Ernst, author of “Truth, Lies, and the O.R.”

Ernst says that includes doing research on a doctor’s background, credentials and any legal action before choosing him or her.

He says the second step is to ask questions.

“When the doctor says he is going to order these tests, ask him or her what are the test supposed to show us, why this specific test. And when you ask your questions, you should get simple, respectful answers to you in a way that the doctor is not talking down to you but talking to you. Remember, you are paying for medical care. We, as physicians, are not doing you a favor. You are paying us,” said Ernst.

When it comes to the question of knowing if you are being billed correctly, Ernst says simply call your insurance, tell them the test the doctor has ordered and they should quickly tell you the cost.

Ernst gives more tips at his website: www.drfernst.com.

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