The Cost of Common Holiday Injuries
Slipping a disk while picking up a grandchild to greet them. Choking on a turkey bone during a holiday meal. Indulging in too many festive cocktails.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 15,000 holiday-related injuries occur this time of year.
This holiday season, it’s important your employees understand how to maximize their health care dollars if an injury occurs or medical need arises.
From telemedicine to price comparison tools to a searchable eligible expense list, there are many tools employees can use to get the care they need without making the holiday season feel even tighter financially.
Let’s look at some common scenarios.
Slipping on ice while walking in a winter wonderland
A bad fall can lead to injuries like a twisted ankle, sprained knee, or even a broken hip. In a non-emergency situation, employees can use cost comparison tools, like Pick Your Price, to find the lowest cost provider.
Tip to share with employees: You can shop around for healthcare services. For example, if you need a diagnostic scan, like an X-Ray or CT Scan, shop around for the most cost-sensitive option and find an alternative imaging provider offering the best value. Often there can be significant variation in cost between providers with no difference in quality.
Overindulging in favorite holiday treats
If partaking in holiday cheer got a little out of hand, the new year is a great time to get in shape. In addition to using cost comparison tools to find the best value for nutritional counseling, employees might be able to use money in their health spending accounts for a gym membership (a letter of medical necessity is required).
Bariatric surgery, dietary supplements, and nutritional counseling are all potentially eligible expenses. Use this eligible expenses list to explore more services.
Tip to share with employees: Your health is a worthwhile investment, and a health spending or savings account can cover a wide array of expenses. Work with your doctor to get the necessary documentation required to withdraw from your account for any potentially eligible expenses.
Holiday blues just won’t go away
The holiday season can be tough for people missing family, dealing with financial strain, or feeling stressed in general. If the fog doesn’t lift when the visiting in-laws finally pack up and leave, it might be time to talk to someone. Telemedicine tools, like Doctor on Demand, are a quick and affordable way to connect with a mental health professional.
Tip to share with employees: If you prefer an in-person experience to telemedicine, you can still use this valuable service when you’re not ready to commit to the price of an in-office visit. Telemedicine is great for first consultations, when you want to make sure you need or want a provider’s full services.
Whether indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of injury-prone situations to be mindful of during the holiday season. Share these tools with your employees so they are well-equipped to spend wisely on health care this holiday season.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
