Getting Care When It’s Not a True Emergency

A visit to the ER can cost about 10 times what it costs to visit a primary care doctor, so be sure to consider this when you’re deciding where to go for care.

If you’re in need of immediate, emergency health services, the emergency room is there for you. But if it’s not an emergency, and you go anyway, the costs can really add up. Instead, turn to your neighborhood urgent care facility. Urgent care is a good resource if you have something that can’t wait, but isn’t a true emergency.

You can also call your primary care provider and see how soon you can get in. You may be able to get an appointment sooner than you think. Many clinics also offer evening and weekend hours.

To avoid spending money needlessly, choose your primary care provider or urgent care whenever possible and leave the emergency room for true emergencies.