Choosing the right place saves you a lot of money and time. Prices below are typical ranges, not fixed prices. With insurance you usually pay much less.
Nurse line (free with most plans)
Many insurance cards show a 24-hour nurse line. A nurse listens to your symptoms and tells you where to go. Use it when you are not sure.
Telehealth (video or phone visit)
A doctor or nurse practitioner sees you by video. Good for colds, rashes, allergies, eye infections, urinary infections and refills.
Your plan may have its own telehealth service. Check the app.
Without insurance, a visit is often around $50 to $100.
Best for check-ups, ongoing problems and anything that can wait a day or two. Call the office; many keep same-day slots. With insurance you often pay a copay, for example $20 to $50.
A walk-in clinic for problems that need care today but are not life-threatening: a sprain, a small cut that needs stitches, fever, flu, ear pain, a possible broken finger.
Open evenings and weekends. No appointment needed, but many let you save a place online.
Without insurance, a basic visit is often around $100 to $200, more with X-rays or tests.
Check that the clinic is in your network.
For serious or life-threatening problems: chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble), heavy bleeding, a serious injury, a seizure, or thoughts of harming yourself.
Call 911 if the person cannot travel safely.
By federal law, an ER must check you and stabilize an emergency even if you cannot pay and whatever your status.
ER visits are expensive. Without insurance, a visit often costs more than $1,000, and much more with scans or a hospital stay.
Federal law protects you from most surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care.
Some large pharmacies have small clinics with nurse practitioners for simple problems and vaccines. Prices are usually posted.
Simple and can be done by video: telehealth.
Can wait a day or two: your doctor.
Needs care today, not dangerous: urgent care.
Dangerous or getting worse fast: ER or 911.
Using the ER for a cold. You may wait hours and pay a large bill.
Driving yourself to the ER with chest pain. Call 911.
Going to a "freestanding ER" thinking it is urgent care. It is an ER and bills like one. Read the sign.