[Winona] Minnesota Hospital Association

[MJ Greenwald]

In regard to Winona Hospital posting it's prices, I agree that it is great.  I have a high deductible on my insurance, so when I needed a colonoscopy (required because my dad had colon cancer) I shopped around.  The price at Olmsted Medical Group was $1200; the quoted price at Gunderson Lutheran and Winona Health was $3000.  I was very satisfied with my service at OMG, although I did have to jump through some hoops to get records forwarded and meet requirements.

I also save money by getting blood tests done by the travelling laboratories that come to the pharmacy at Midtown Foods.  They are SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and more comprehensive than blood tests that might be ordered by your doctor.  When my doc said it was time to update my blood tests, I gave her the data, and she was impressed with the quality of the information.  I didn't seek insurance reimbursement for my blood tests.

More medical enterprises should provide cost information up-front.  More patients should ask:  is this (recommended procedure) covered by my insurance, and if not, what will it cost?  However, insurance plans are complex, individual medical situations vary, so the "shopping around" approach may not work for everyone.

Martha Greenwald

My website:  www.marthagreenwald.com
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