With the ongoing debate on ways to reform health care, I've been thinking about the routine medical care I receive in a typical year.  However, living with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, it is not always easy to know if a particular year is going to be "typical" or not.  So I examined exactly what health care services I used in one calendar year. Here is what I found:

I saw the rheumatologist three times during the year since I have routine visits scheduled every four months.

Total charge: $433 - insurance adjustment: $202 = $231

Insurance paid: $176

My copayments: $75

I saw the neurologist (or nurse practitioner) five times during the year.  In addition to routine visits scheduled every three to four months, I had two extra visits related to a multiple sclerosis relapse.

Total charge: $1,269 - insurance adjustment: $780 = $489

Insurance paid: $354

My copayments: $125

I saw my primary care physician four times, which included one well care visit, two acute illness visits, and one medication visit.

Total charge: $860 - insurance adjustment: $435 = $425

Insurance paid: $325

My copayments: $100

I experienced a multiple sclerosis relapse and underwent five days of IV Solumedrol treatment.  This involves going to the Infusion center daily for IV treatment.

Total charge: $3,234 - insurance adjustment: $2,656 = $578

Insurance paid: $463

My copayments: $115

Since I had the MS relapse, I also underwent an MRI of the brain and c-spine.  Some MS patients do this annually, but I don't have MRIs conducted that frequently.  Only when indicated by disease activity.

Total charge: $6,017 - insurance adjustment: $1,003 = $5,014

Insurance paid: $4,513

My copayments: $501

Since I turned 40, I also had a mammogram.  Squish.

Total charge: $286 - insurance adjustment: $71 = $215

Insurance paid: $215

My copayments: $0

I have routine blood work completed every two months to check liver functions since I take methotrexate for RA.  I also had a few non-routine tests related to urinary tract infections.

Total charge: $2,425 - insurance adjustment: $2,066 = $359

Insurance paid: $327

My copayments: $32

I began physical therapy in December and continued twice weekly sessions through March.  This was probably the very best treatment for my MS, general health and well being.  I'm very lucky that insurance pays for it.

Total charge: $4,821 - insurance adjustment: $1,231 = $3,590

Insurance paid: $3,211

My copayments: $379

I had some visits with a counselor to address mental health issues.  I used to go weekly, but now only when I feel the need.

Total charge: $945 - insurance adjustment: $493 = $452

Insurance paid: $226

My copayments: $226

I had the yearly routine visit to the eye doctor and ordered a year's worth of contacts.

Total charge: $691

Insurance paid: $0

My payment: $691

I also had routine cleaning visits with the dentist and had a special mouth guard made, an unusual expense but highly worth it.