Maximizing Your Insurance Deductible for Medical Imaging Before Year-End

As the year draws to a close, you may be thinking about holiday plans, but there’s another important aspect to consider: your health insurance deductible. If you’ve met your deductible or are close to reaching it, now is the perfect time to schedule medical imaging services, such as MRIs, CT scans, X-rays or ultrasounds. Doing so could save you a significant amount of money, while ensuring you receive the care you need. Let’s explore how to make the most of your insurance deductible before the year ends.

What Is an Insurance Deductible? 

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for covered healthcare services before your insurance plan starts to contribute. For example, if your plan has a $1,500 deductible, you must pay that amount out of pocket for medical services before your insurance kicks in to cover most of the costs. After the deductible is met, your insurance will typically cover a large percentage of additional healthcare expenses.

Why Schedule Medical Imaging Before the End of the Year?

1. Leverage Your Insurance Benefits.  If you’ve already met your deductible, your out-of-pocket costs for medical services may be drastically reduced. This is the perfect time to get any necessary medical imaging done – whether it’s a scan your doctor ordered or a screening you’ve been delaying. After reaching your deductible, your insurance will cover a large portion of the costs, meaning you could end up paying very little, or even nothing, for the scans.
2. Avoid Starting Over Next Year.  At the start of a new year, your deductible typically resets. This means if you delay necessary imaging until after January 1, you’ll be responsible for paying your deductible all over again before insurance helps with the costs. By using your benefits now, you avoid paying out of pocket for the same services next year, potentially saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
3. Address Health Concerns Early.  Medical imaging is crucial for diagnosing and managing many health conditions. If your doctor has recommended medical imaging to evaluate or monitor a condition, delaying them could lead to worsening symptoms and more expensive treatments down the road. Scheduling your scans now, when your insurance can help cover the cost, ensures you get the care you need while minimizing your financial burden.

Steps to Take Advantage of Your Deductible for Medical Imaging

1. Review your insurance plan to check how much of your deductible you’ve already met. You can find this information on your insurance company’s website or by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. If you’re close to meeting your deductible, scheduling medical imaging before year-end can be financially advantageous.
2. Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations. As the end of the year approaches, medical imaging centers can become busy with patients who, like you, want to maximize their insurance benefits. Schedule your appointment as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure you get the care you need before your deductible resets.
3. Understand your out-of-pocket costs. While your deductible may be met, you might still be responsible for a portion of the costs, such as copayments or coinsurance. Contact your insurance provider and imaging center to get an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before scheduling the scan.
4. Know what’s covered. Not all medical imaging scans may be covered under your plan, so be sure to confirm which ones are. Some elective or non-urgent imaging may require pre-authorization or may not be fully covered even after your deductible is met. Clarify any questions with your insurance provider and healthcare team to avoid unexpected charges.

What Happens if You Haven’t Met Your Deductible?

If you haven’t yet met your deductible and are unlikely to do so by year-end, it’s still a good idea to plan your medical imaging based on your healthcare needs. While you may have to pay more out of pocket if you haven’t reached your deductible, staying on top of necessary healthcare services is essential for your long-term well-being. At Gateway Diagnostic Imaging we also accept CareCredit and for those without insurance or who need financial assistance, we offer self-pay rates and medical financial assistance programs to those who qualify.

Don’t Miss Out on Potential Savings

Taking advantage of your insurance deductible before the end of the year is a smart financial and health decision. Whether you’ve met your deductible or are close to doing so, scheduling medical imaging services like MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, or x-rays now can save you money and help you stay on top of your health. If you’re unsure where you stand, reach out to your insurance provider and your doctor to discuss your options. Don’t wait until next year—schedule your imaging today!

If you have questions about imaging services or would like to schedule an appointment, click here to find a location near you.