Skimping on healthcare can be costly

A U.S. doctor warns bad economic times may cause people to make health choices that will not save money in the long run.

Dr. A. Mark Fendrick of Ann Arbor's University of Michigan Medical School and School of Public Health says 1 in 9 individuals are cutting pills, taking them every other day or doing something the doctor did not recommend.

Also, he says, visits to doctors are down 10 percent to 15 percent, important routine health screenings and vaccinations are being put off and individuals tend to use the emergency room as a form of primary care -- perhaps taking a spot from someone who truly needs emergency care.

"You should really think about going to your primary care physician who knows your medical history, coordinates your follow up care and interacts with other doctors to make sure you're getting the highest quality care possible at the lowest cost," Fendrick said in a statement. "Remember your health is your most important asset, not your money."

Fendrick suggests:

-- Continue adopting healthy lifestyles; diet and exercise can help stave off many diseases.

-- Ask if prescription medications are available in generic forms.

-- Keep up-to-date with immunizations and screening tests such as colonoscopies.