Health care costs continue rise faster than inflation. As a result, businesses are asking folks like us to pick up more of our medical costs. You've heard of sticker shock when it comes to cars. Well, the same thing is true with medical bills.

Here are four quick tips to help you cut your medical costs:

1. Get free medical care. We haven't gone off the deep end when we tell you that you can get medical care from some of the best doctors in the world free! Researchers spend millions of dollars every year researching new treatments and developing new cures. If your health condition is one of those being studied, you may be able to get free medical attention and state-of-the-art treatment.

   The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducts the largest number of clinical trials as well as outpatient research. You can get information about clinical trials at a special NIH website: www.clinicaltrials.gov. Or have your doctor call the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office at 1-800-411-1222 to find out if your medical condition is being studied.

2. Use outpatient services. Many procedures, even simple surgeries and invasive tests, can be done without being admitted as an inpatient. Arrange to arrive at the hospital first thing in the morning so you can have your procedure immediately and be home by evening.

3. Don't stay overnight for diagnostic tests. Remember, the more time you spend in the hospital, the more expensive it gets.

4. Avoid weekend hospital admission. Don't check into the hospital on a Friday unless it's an emergency. Most labs don't work weekends, so your tests will likely wait until Monday. You end up paying top dollar for a worthless weekend.

Don't pay any more for insurance than you have to! We'll show you how with these articles:

• Cut Your Long-Term Care Costs
• Knock 25% off Your Life Insurance Premiums
• Cut Your Auto Insurance Costs