Some people avoid going to the doctor because of costs they expect to be involved. If they get a referral to see a specialist, they tend to shy away even more. Many people think that seeing a specialist means they will have to pay even more money, because specialists are experts in their field. While this can be true in some cases, it should never stop you from consulting with a specialist. With health insurance, access to medical experts doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are even some instances where seeing a specialist might actually save you money.

Why Specialists are Necessary

Medical specialists are doctors who have completed advanced education and clinical training in a specific area of medicine (e.g. neonatologists, podiatrists, cardiologists, etc.).While your primary care physician might be able to treat minor symptoms and common ailments, specialists may better understand your condition and possess the expertise needed to treat you accordingly. Seeing a specialist can save you the hassle of unnecessary tests or trial-and-error prescriptions, since specialists are likely better equipped to understand your specific health problems.

One of the most commonly visited specialists is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists treat women who have experienced complications during their current or previous pregnancies, women carrying multiples and women with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, among others. When it comes to high-risk pregnancies, it’s important for women to have access to a specialist they can trust with their health and the health of their baby. Research doctors and hospitals, like Dr. Gilbert Webb with HealthGrades, make sure that the doctor and staff are competent and personable. Don’t shy away from visiting a specialist, especially if your pregnancy is considered high-risk, out of fear of the costs involved.

How Can I Afford to See a Specialist?

If you’re struggling to pay your medical bills and it seems like things out of control, there are professional advocates who can bargain for you. Groups like Medical Billing Advocates of America typically keep a percentage of the reduction they negotiate for you. The most important thing you can do, however, is check to see if your insurance is covered by a physician before scheduling an appointment. If they accept your insurance, you may be able to get specialized care without paying out of pocket.

Other Ways To Save

If your specialist prescribes you medication, ask if they can prescribe you a generic version. These are sometimes indistinguishable from the more expensive brands and will provide you with the same care for a fraction of the cost. You can also ask what tests are absolutely necessary and find out if any other less expensive methods are worth trying before paying for certain procedures or lab work. Try to take care of multiple concerns in one appointment, if possible, so you don’t have to schedule multiple appointments. It’s important to not be afraid of medical bills when it comes to your health. There are several ways to save money, and seeing a specialist for certain ailments should be considered a necessity, not a hassling and costly endeavor.

When it comes to the protection and preservation of your health, there should be no corner-cutting. If you’ve received a referral from your doctor, look into affordable options for specialist visits before disregarding it. Health insurance and other avenues of support are or may be available to you if you cannot pay for specialized treatment. Specialists can help—it’s what they do—and widespread access to their expertise is an important part of modern healthcare.