Biologically male procedures only. EDIT: If the two people who downvoted this question could explain their reasoning, I would be super interested. No judgements. This is a safe space!
Snip snip
Dentistry. This shit is always hard to get for free so you should do everything you can.
You might be able to get massages
TELL ME THIS IS TRUE
I think it’s true lol. I briefly looked it up and it seems like it’s tricky to get approved
If you’re on any expensive meds, now’d be a good time to get them refilled. …and ‘my backpack got stolen!’ them and get them refilled again if that’s covered.
If you’ve got anything you think needs to be addressed with any urgency at all, skip the normal process and go to the ER to complain about your symptoms, especially if you’ve got ANY pain in your abdomen or tenderness in your lower back (which could mean kidney stones).
Infact, even if you don’t have pain, go in and tell them you feel nauseous after eating anything greasy or fatty, and you’ll get a free ultrasound of your gallbladder to see if there’s any stones in there. …don’t actually accept surgery to remove it unless there are stones that look like they’re for sure going to be problematic, cuz you WILL have symptoms once it’s gone (eating will make you feel like shit… your body should adjust eventually, but that’s not a guarantee, and it can take anywhere from a few months to years).
So, if they offer a scan or any diagnostic, do it. If they offer surgery, have a long think about whether it’s actually worth doing.
Not only refill your meds, but there are places where you can get 90 day prescriptions filled, so you can go into the new year with several months of pills already ready.
The ER idea is brilliant, especially because I just moved here and don’t have a PCP yet. Even better, I can hit up urgent care every day!
I say blow your free healthcare on something frivolous and fun.
See if they’ll swap your left kidney with your right one.
Frivolous? Yes. Fun? 😬😬😬
The surgeon deserves a little fun too
Teeth. Teeth right the fuck now. And if somehow there is nothing wrong with them see if your insurance will cover a flouride coat to keep them that way.
Oh and literally every cancer screening possible. Get your butt checked, your nuts checked, some dermatologists will literally check every inch of your skin. Tell your doctor about every bad habit you have and see what else they’re willing to look for.
Teeth are not covered by health insurance in the U.S. (I know. We all know)
For those not in the US: it may be covered, but normally it’s a separate insurance plan and not covered by your regular health insurance.
It also varies what type of “dental” care. Some mouth/gum surgeries may be covered by the health plan. I think most dental plans cover checkups. All this varies wildly with your employer and insurance election, though.
Do you snore? Get a sleep study and a CPAP - thats pricy! Need a colonoscopy? Gel shots in your knees? Any family histories that would warrant testing for cancer markers?
Just had Inspire surgery. How do you think I hit my maxes lol! What I do think I have also is arthritis.
If you’re beginning to struggle with joints, get on the PT, MRI route while it’s free.
Start a fist fight with a random stranger!
(not me please)
That…can have other consequences besides medical.
This is the perfect opportunity to recreationally infect yourself with rare short term diseases. Try breaking your arm or nose so you have a story. Self harm has never been so cheap.
Seriously though get checked for prostate cancer. Especially if you’re over 25 it’s very possible and catching it early will be a massive difference.
Same for everyone reading this. I doubt it’s that expensive so please look into it and get checked if affordable where you are.
I was actually told by my doctor that unless you have a history of colon or prostate cancers in the family, advisory boards are pushing testing to past 40.
Checking for prostate cancer is super easy now and doesn’t even require a finger in your bum. It’s a simple blood test that is far more accurate than the traditional manual method. I get one done every time I have a physical since they just add it on to the other stuff they check my blood for.
-doesn’t even require a finger in your bum
Then what the heck am I paying these deductibles for?? >:(
Vasectomy if you don’t plan on having kids. Also consider mental healthcare. Everybody could use a little bit now and then.
Yes! Mental healthcare!!
Is anything cracking or sore more than it should be? Time to go get that treated.
Do you have any persistent pain or discomfort when doing things? Get that checked out.
Another +1 for colonoscopy.
Also if there’s a family history of anything nasty, see if there’s a test for it my maybe? (E.g. heart attacks, get blood work done for cholesterol).
Get a full physical including blood work.
Fun fact: for people over 45, colonoscopy screening for cancer is always free. If your insurance tries to make you pay for it, report them to your state insurance commissioner or the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. ACA made a lot of preventative medicine & screenings free.
in my experience the first one was free. the followup a few months later wasn’t.
Yeah, it’s the screening that’s free. If that turns something up, then it transitions to “care.”
I’ve had the same experience with “wellness” check-ups: if I mention some complaint to the doc during the visit, it suddenly becomes “visit with complaint” and costs me $120.
This is great, except in my case, where I have regional insurance that no one takes where I live. Everyone is out of network.
I’d say colonoscopy, esp if you’re over 45, but those are required by law to have no out-of-pocket costs, regardless.
Talk to your primary doctor if they can get you a referral for an MRI. Insurance loves to try and deny MRIs, so I think a referral is probably required due to how expensive they are. IMO, they should be included in annual physicals since it’s one of the only (if not the only) ways to detect brain tumors early, which is critical given how difficult it is to treat brain tumors and the earlier the better.
My wife is there.
She’s gotten two knee replacements this year and is scheduled for a hip replacement before the end of the year. And last night I reminded her she’s been meaning to go to a dermatologist.
Ooh! Dermatologist! That’s a good one!
Here I am with acceptably functional knees and hips. I just can’t win!
Yes but how’s your skin
Well. It covers my body.
You should get a full dermatologist check. Especially if you have ever been sunburned.
Get any suspicious or annoying moles removed and biopsied.
I have 4 friends (granted 50+ years old) who have had skin cancers removed in the last year. Many, many stitches on faces, arms, and necks
