Know Before you go!

Where to go or call?

Did you know your out-of-pocket cost for an ER visit is usually much more than an urgent care visit? And a regular doctor’s visit costs less than urgent care? More than 10 percent of all emergency room visits could have either been addressed in a doctor’s office or an urgent care facility. But how can you determine which is more appropriate for your condition? Where you go for medical services can make a big difference in how much you pay and how long you wait to see a health care provider.

*Note: The information shared in this blog/chart are median national averages and WILL vary on location, diagnosis codes, insurance plan, and contracted provider networks.  This is a sample list of services and is not intended to be all-inclusive. These costs are based on negotiated fees, not billed fees which are 20% – 50% higher.

Where to go or call?

Nurse Line (36 seconds/$0 cost): You may speak by phone with a registered nurse any time of day, seven days a week.

• Help choosing the right health care setting for illness or injury
• Information about common health problems or injuries

Retail / Convenient Care Clinics (15 minutes/$75 Cost): Retail clinics located in retail stores, supermarkets and pharmacies.

• Colds or flu
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Vaccinations or screenings
• Minor sprains, burns or rashes
• Headaches
• Sore throats

Primary Care Office Visit (30 minutes/$110 cost): Seeing YOUR doctor is important. Your doctor knows your medical history and any ongoing health conditions.

• Preventative services and vaccinations
• Medical problems or symptoms that are not an immediate, serious threat to your life or major organs

Urgent Care (45 minutes/$175.00 cost): Free-standing facility often open in the evenings and on weekends.

• Sprains and Strains
• Mild asthma attacks
• Sore throats
• Minor broken bones or cuts
• Earaches

Emergency Room (3 hours/$1,200 Cost): Only if you are badly hurt. If you are not seriously ill or hurt, you could wait hours and your health plan may not cover non-emergency ER visits.  Even if you have a copay on your plan. Also, you have the risk of an out-of-network provider that will bill over and above what is considered usual and customary.

• Sudden change in vision
• Sudden weakness or trouble talking
• Large, open wounds
• Severe head injury
• Heavy Bleeding
• Spinal injuries
• Major burns
• Major broken bones
• Chest pain

Want to know more? Want to know the cost of your medication or complex imaging like an MRI, CT or PET scan? Contact me and find out!  I got your answers!