[bryan11]

Switching from a co-pay based insurance to an HDHP + HSA was a big change. My deductible is quite high, so all normal, non-catastrophic medical costs are paid for without insurance.

A doctor visit starts at $139 and may be from $300 to $500 depending on the diagnosis. One cannot determine the cost in advance. Any lab work is extra. Is it worth $1000 every year to have a doctor do standard blood tests?

Like anything that suddenly becomes very expensive, it makes one look at things differently and question whether they are necessary. Some people put off doctor visits longer until things seem unbearable. Some research online and try to self medicate with over the counter things.