The Tip of the Iceberg: Visible vs. Hidden Costs Involved In Medical Treatment
When faced with a medical emergency or a long-term illness, the immediate focus is often on the visible costs—hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and medication expenses. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, there are numerous hidden costs that can add up quickly, turning a challenging situation into a financial burden. From follow-up visits and rehabilitation to transportation, accommodation, and lost income, these less obvious expenses can be just as overwhelming, if not more so.
In this article, we’ll delve into the distinction between visible and hidden costs in medical treatment, and how understanding these can help you better prepare for the financial realities of healthcare.
In this article, we’ll delve into the distinction between visible and hidden costs in medical treatment, and how understanding these can help you better prepare for the financial realities of healthcare.
Table of content:
1. Diagnostic tests and pre-procedure expenses
Source for the diagnostic tests costs: Book Meri Lab, Labs Advisor, Practo, Lybrate, Vaidam Health. Please be aware that the figures mentioned are not definitive and may vary, depending on the lab and location. It is vital to inquire about charges beforehand from your healthcare provider.
Before the actual treatment begins, patients are often required to undergo a battery of diagnostic tests and screenings. Diagnostic tests are investigative procedures to uncover health issues. They could be invasive or non-invasive and help experts assess health risks and understand the nature of the problem. While some tests may be obvious, others are tucked away in the fine print, causing the medical bills to surge unexpectedly.
Conventional insurance coverage is primarily confined to tertiary care hospitals, often leaving policyholders exposed to unforeseen costs like pre-treatment expenses despite seemingly comprehensive plans. These pre-procedure expenses, which can include blood tests, imaging scans, and consultations with various specialists, involve separate fees contributing to overall expenses.
Presented above is a chart outlining approximate expenses for some diagnostic procedures related to specific conditions.
Before the actual treatment begins, patients are often required to undergo a battery of diagnostic tests and screenings. Diagnostic tests are investigative procedures to uncover health issues. They could be invasive or non-invasive and help experts assess health risks and understand the nature of the problem. While some tests may be obvious, others are tucked away in the fine print, causing the medical bills to surge unexpectedly.
Conventional insurance coverage is primarily confined to tertiary care hospitals, often leaving policyholders exposed to unforeseen costs like pre-treatment expenses despite seemingly comprehensive plans. These pre-procedure expenses, which can include blood tests, imaging scans, and consultations with various specialists, involve separate fees contributing to overall expenses.
Presented above is a chart outlining approximate expenses for some diagnostic procedures related to specific conditions.
2. Post-treatment rehabilitation, OPD and medication
Sources for the costs: Docplexus, CB Physiotherapy, Lybrate, The Economic Times, Bajaj Allianz. Please be aware that the figures mentioned are not definitive and may vary, depending on the care required, hospital and location. It is vital to inquire about charges beforehand from your healthcare provider.
The end of a medical procedure does not mark the end of expenses. Post-treatment, outpatient care, and associated costs often present an unexpected hurdle. Many treatments necessitate a phase of post-procedure rehabilitation or prolonged medication, each of which comes at an additional cost.
In medical procedures involving surgical intervention, the significance of post-treatment rehabilitation cannot be overstated. This comprehensive approach involves a team of healthcare professionals working together, extending beyond just the surgeon. Apart from prescribed treatments, patients might also seek to enhance their nutrition with practices like juicing and supplements, which can lead to increased expenditures.
Furthermore, patients often have to receive out-patient care following treatment. In the out-patient department (OPD), patients can visit doctors, specialists, or other healthcare professionals for various medical concerns, routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and minor treatments that do not require overnight hospitalisation. But, these expenses too can put patients in a difficult position, where they must choose between proper recovery and their financial well-being.
Presented above is a chart outlining approximate expenses for some elements of post-hospitalisation care and rehabilitation.
The end of a medical procedure does not mark the end of expenses. Post-treatment, outpatient care, and associated costs often present an unexpected hurdle. Many treatments necessitate a phase of post-procedure rehabilitation or prolonged medication, each of which comes at an additional cost.
In medical procedures involving surgical intervention, the significance of post-treatment rehabilitation cannot be overstated. This comprehensive approach involves a team of healthcare professionals working together, extending beyond just the surgeon. Apart from prescribed treatments, patients might also seek to enhance their nutrition with practices like juicing and supplements, which can lead to increased expenditures.
Furthermore, patients often have to receive out-patient care following treatment. In the out-patient department (OPD), patients can visit doctors, specialists, or other healthcare professionals for various medical concerns, routine check-ups, follow-up appointments, and minor treatments that do not require overnight hospitalisation. But, these expenses too can put patients in a difficult position, where they must choose between proper recovery and their financial well-being.
Presented above is a chart outlining approximate expenses for some elements of post-hospitalisation care and rehabilitation.
3. Additional hospital fees
Besides the primary treatment costs, patients undergoing hospitalisation in India may also encounter several additional expenses that they might not be aware of initially. Patients often find themselves paying for items they weren’t aware of or hadn’t anticipated. These costs can add up and impact the overall medical expenses. Some common additional costs include:
Room charges
The type of room you choose can significantly affect the cost. Private rooms are generally more expensive than shared or general ward rooms.Nursing care and services
Charges for nursing care, medical equipment, and other services provided during the hospital stay.Operating theatre charges
Charges for the use of the operating room, surgical equipment, and anaesthesia.Anaesthesia charges
Fees associated with administering anaesthesia for surgeries or procedures.Ambulance services
Charges for ambulance transportation to and from the hospital, if required.Food and accommodation for attendants
If you have family members or attendants staying with you, there might be additional charges for their accommodation and meals.Complications and extended stay
If there are any complications during treatment that require extended hospitalisation, this can lead to additional costs.4. Travel and accommodation costs
Sources for the transportation costs: Moneytap, Go Digit, Honest Broker, Jupiter Money, Zolo. Please be aware that the figures mentioned are not definitive and may vary, depending on the frequency of travel and location.
For patients residing in rural areas or distant towns, accessing quality healthcare might entail travelling to urban centres. This journey comes with its own set of expenses, including travel fare, accommodation, and meals. These costs, when added to the medical bills, can create a substantial financial burden.
For patients residing in rural areas or distant towns, accessing quality healthcare might entail travelling to urban centres. This journey comes with its own set of expenses, including travel fare, accommodation, and meals. These costs, when added to the medical bills, can create a substantial financial burden.
5. Opportunity costs
Often overlooked, the time spent on medical treatment can also translate into opportunity costs. Patients, especially those who are the primary earners for their families, may miss work or business opportunities during their treatment and recovery periods. The financial strain arises not only from the direct costs of medical procedures, hospital stays, and medications but also from the indirect repercussions of missed work opportunities.
When faced with a critical illness, individuals often find themselves juggling between medical appointments, hospitalizations, and recovery periods. This disrupts their ability to maintain a regular work routine, leading to reduced working hours or even temporary leave. This loss of income can further exacerbate the financial burden, making it difficult to manage daily expenses, medical bills, and other financial commitments.
Moreover, self-employed individuals or those without a robust social safety net may face even more severe challenges. With no sick leave or employee benefits to fall back on, the loss of income during treatment and recovery period can be particularly distressing.
When faced with a critical illness, individuals often find themselves juggling between medical appointments, hospitalizations, and recovery periods. This disrupts their ability to maintain a regular work routine, leading to reduced working hours or even temporary leave. This loss of income can further exacerbate the financial burden, making it difficult to manage daily expenses, medical bills, and other financial commitments.
Moreover, self-employed individuals or those without a robust social safety net may face even more severe challenges. With no sick leave or employee benefits to fall back on, the loss of income during treatment and recovery period can be particularly distressing.
Tackling the hidden costs: Awareness and planning
As the hidden costs of medical treatment continue to surprise and strain patients, awareness and planning become crucial tools in managing these financial challenges. Being well-informed about the potential hidden expenses and seeking clarity from healthcare providers can prevent unwelcome financial shocks. Moreover, exploring health insurance policies that comprehensively cover pre and post-treatment costs, as well as travel and accommodation, can provide a safety net for patients and their families.
How Milaap can help
While government schemes and insurance may cover some of the visible costs of medical treatment, especially in critical cases, the hidden costs often go unaddressed. For those who find these resources insufficient, the financial gaps can be daunting. This is where Milaap can make a crucial difference.
By offering a platform for medical crowdfunding, Milaap empowers individuals to raise the necessary funds for both the visible and hidden costs associated with medical treatment. Whether it’s for surgery, post-operative care, or ongoing treatment, Milaap ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of life-saving procedures, providing a lifeline when traditional support falls short. Start a fundraiser today!
By offering a platform for medical crowdfunding, Milaap empowers individuals to raise the necessary funds for both the visible and hidden costs associated with medical treatment. Whether it’s for surgery, post-operative care, or ongoing treatment, Milaap ensures that financial constraints don’t stand in the way of life-saving procedures, providing a lifeline when traditional support falls short. Start a fundraiser today!
