Health care costs are a source of ongoing concern to consumers. There are right and wrong ways to address them, however. Consider the following scenario.

Be Wary of Waivers

Mike owns Glendale Physical Therapy, a private practice with a strong reputation in the community and a solid base of patients and clients who've been coming there for years for their own physical therapy needs and those of their family members.

Mike prides himself on being a good businessman as well as a skilled and compassionate physical therapist. Glendale turns a profit, yet Mike always has taken pains to work with patients whose financial situations pose particular challenges. His front-desk staff clearly explains fees and billing, and Mike offers tailored payment plans to those who need them.