August 2025

Great health doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With a few steady habits and the right care partner, you can reduce surprise bills and protect long-term wellness through cost-effective, relationship-based care. It all starts with a trusted team and a personalized approach to family medical care that fits your life.

Start With Prevention: Your Annual Wellness Exam

Prevention is the smartest way to save. An annual wellness exam gives your provider a chance to catch small issues early, update vaccines, review your medications, and screen for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression.

Early detection often means easier treatment—and fewer urgent visits down the road. Bring any questions, home readings, and your full medication list so your care plan stays aligned with your goals and your budget.

Use Your Benefits Like a Pro

• Stay in-network to access lower copays and negotiated rates
• Ask about generic medications and 90-day refills to save on prescriptions
• Compare prices for labs or imaging when possible—your clinic can recommend trusted, affordable options
• Choose the right setting for your needs:
  • Secure messages for quick questions
  • Same-day appointments for new symptoms
  • Urgent care for minor injuries
  • Emergency care for life-threatening situations

Make Medical Bills More Predictable

• Know which services your plan covers as preventive care—so you don’t miss no-cost screenings
• Review your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums regularly
• Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) if available
• Request itemized bills and don’t hesitate to call your clinic if something looks off

Build Simple, Money-Smart Habits

• Keep a personal health record with your medications, allergies, and diagnoses
• Use a pill organizer or set reminders to stay consistent with medications
• Track key health metrics like blood pressure, blood sugar, or sleep patterns—then bring those trends to your visit
• Prioritize regular movement, balanced meals, and good sleep—these habits today can prevent bigger issues tomorrow

Ask for Clear Next Steps

Before you leave any appointment, make sure you understand:

• Your diagnosis
• The treatment plan
• What symptoms to monitor
• How and when to follow up

Request instructions in plain language—whether printed out or sent to your patient portal. If something doesn’t feel manageable or affordable, speak up. In a patient centered care model, your team will adjust and connect you to community resources if needed.

Know When to Invest in Care Now

Timely care prevents complications—and bigger costs later. Don’t wait to reach out if you experience:

• Chest pain, breathing issues, fainting, or persistent high fever
• Severe abdominal pain or sudden weakness
• Side effects that interfere with daily life
• Changing readings for chronic conditions

A Quick Checklist for Cost-Effective Care

• Schedule your annual wellness exam and stay up to date on vaccines and screenings
• Save your clinic’s phone number and patient portal to your home screen
• Keep a short list of in-network urgent care and after-hours options
• Always bring your insurance card and current medication list to appointments

Start With the Right Partner

The best healthcare doesn’t feel rushed or transactional—it feels like a partnership. At Richfield Medical Group, we offer full-spectrum family medical care with same-day access and relationship-based support that helps you stay on track.

If you want a clear plan, guidance that fits your lifestyle, and a team that truly listens, start here. Schedule your annual wellness exam to set a clear plan for the year, and use same day appointments for quick questions that cannot wait. With steady habits and a responsive clinic, you can spend less, worry less, and feel better.