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Question about medical tests

NAOS

NAOS

Well-Known Member
JFC,

I’ll spare you the bulk of the uninteresting details here. The short of it is that the company I work for has been reducing the percentage they’re willing to pay of my overall health insurance costs. And, with a higher percentage flowing to me, the costs have been going up simultaneously. I’m sick of it, so I think I’ll probably reduce my coverage next month.

Here’s the question:

What sort of tests should I get my current insurance to pay for before I drop down a tier or two? What sort of data should I be interested in getting from this sector before my access is restricted somewhat?

FYI, I’m 39 years old; and I’m probably in the best shape of my life.
 
There's really nothing prescribed at that age other than as needed. You don't need a colonoscopy. Don't need a prostate exam. Those are the big ones for men. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
 
Maybe consider a cholesterol screening. I get one of those each year.

But if you feel like you're in good health, I wouldn't say that you should necessarily get tests just because you can. You'll possibly have a co-pay, and of course there's some time/effort on your part.
 
Typically preventive stuff is more likely to be covered as it’s saving money on the back end. That said, there aren’t tons of things. A yearly cholesterol, periodically checking a fasting glucose. Colonoscopy recommendations start at 45 assuming healthy. Those would be much more pricey. Outside of that, lab tests are (relatively) cheap, especially if you tell them you’re paying cash, rather than using insurance as the middle man. The problem you’ll run into is if screening tests warrant further workup. That can get pricey.

Do you have option for an HSA? It’s a good way to pocket the difference.
 
This may be be covered in your lower tier but I'd do it anyway. I'd at least get some basic bloodwork done too. Get a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. It checks hematocrit, hemoglobin, red,/white blood cell count. High values on the reference range show risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clotting issues. Low end show anemia, etc. Get a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Shows glucose levels and risks levels of diabetes and other things. Get a lipid panel for cholesterol levels and ratios of hdl and ldl. I'd also get a urinalysis too.

All basic stuff but it's good to get checked. Also, it gives you a baseline for you check once in a while and see if there is trends of the values going up or down over time. Everyone should get bloodwork once a year imo.
 
NAOS said:
JFC,

I’ll spare you the bulk of the uninteresting details here. The short of it is that the company I work for has been reducing the percentage they’re willing to pay of my overall health insurance costs. And, with a higher percentage flowing to me, the costs have been going up simultaneously. I’m sick of it, so I think I’ll probably reduce my coverage next month.

Here’s the question:

What sort of tests should I get my current insurance to pay for before I drop down a tier or two? What sort of data should I be interested in getting from this sector before my access is restricted somewhat?

FYI, I’m 39 years old; and I’m probably in the best shape of my life.
Click to expand...

You should get the following tests done immediately

HIV
Herpes
Syphilis
Brain bleeding
Jock itch
Foot in mouth disease
 
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