With cold and flu season on the way and with health insurance no longer affordable for many (ironically due to the Affordable Health Care Act), look at other options before heading to the doctor or ER.
Most insurance companies (at least here in Texas) have done away with co-pays and a visit to the doctor is payable until you have met your hefty deductible (sometimes as much as $6,000) so if you have a cold or flu or need antibiotics check out local
retail clinics which can cost around $50 for a visit - low cost compared to $150-$200 for a primary care doctor visit. Walmart or local pharmacies such as
CVS and Walgreens often house them.
If you are fortunate enough to have a co-pay lower than that then your primary care doctor is the best option.
For non-severe emergencies such as cuts try an
urgent care clinic. Call and check costs first.
Use the ER for serious injuries, chest pains, etc. and temperatures over 103.
Study your health care insurance and find out what are the best options before an emergency arises and make sure the hospitals and doctors you use are within your network.
