The title of this article reminds me of a really bad topic, for really bad English assignment, after after a really good summer, a long time ago.  But, if you are reading this, chances are you might have a bit of interest in the topic.

Last Saturday, a local hospital sponsored a free skin cancer screening down at one of their locations.  Three years ago, I would have never known about it, and if for some coincidental reason, I had, I wouldn’t have given a crap.

But, when you have a high deductible health plan with a health savings account and then hear the words “free” combined with “health” your ears are likely to perk up like Mr. Spock’s.  Vulcan “A” man!  

That was me last Saturday.  My wife and I went down there and just had a Vulcan great time having our moles inspected by the mole inspector general.  Actually, it was a very nice and competent PA from one of the local dermatology offices who somehow got enticed (maybe it was a Vulcan mind meld) along with about a half a dozen other qualified PAs as  to check out the moles and other skin irregularities of hundreds of total strangers. 

Not only did they check everyone out, but they gave away a ton of free sun screen samples; and I’m not talking the no-named crap you get at the dollar store, this was the good stuff.  They were also giving away Braves baseball caps to help protect all those pretty faces.  Now who gets that kind of treatment at the normal doctor?  The last free thing my Doctor gave me was a stool sample kit.  It kind of stunk if you asked me.  

Because I have a very high deductible, the opportunity to take care of my health for the low low cost of nothing, is very appealing.  And that in short is a little bit about what consumer driven health care is all about.

It’s about becoming a smarter health care shopper.  It’s about tuning into one’s own body.  It’s about taking control of one’s well care and health care.   It’s about saving money smartly.  Consumer driven health, in my book, is a pretty Vulcan good idea.