Have you been to the Emergency Room lately? If you have, you probably know that just stepping through the door will cost you a pretty penny. Hopefully you’re lucky and you have great insurance with a small ER co-pay. But if you don’t, you’re probably trying to avoid an ER visit (and the subsequent bills!) like the plague. I know I am!
When we first moved into our condo, Eric had a really bad asthma attack that landed him in the ER. While the doctor was meeting with him and administering a breathing treatment a, “friendly” billing representative came into the room to make copies of his insurance card. She informed us that if he wasn’t admitted we’d be responsible for a $500 co-pay (and that was with “good” insurance). While $500 wouldn’t, “make” or “break” us, we definitely would have preferred to spend the money on something else.
If you’re curious, he was admitted, so we didn’t pay the ER co-pay. But we did get one heck of a bill for the hospital stay. Obviously we’re thankful for the care that he received, but we weren’t very pleased with the price tag. Let’s just say that that ER visit was a, “wake-up call” that taught us about the importance of taking good care of ourselves. Eric now has an inhaler and nebulizer that uses at home to keep his asthma in check (and to keep us out of the ER!).
To avoid getting a bill that will give you a heart attack, and land you back in the Emergency Department, I propose a few simple tips that might save you a lot of money. **Disclaimer, I’m not a doctor. If you’re experiencing a medical crisis, don’t worry about bills. Go to the ER and save your life!
- Take good care of yourself. This is so obvious, but not always that easy. Eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep and practicing mindfulness and medication are great ways to take care of yourself. We all know that physical, mental and emotional health are interconnected. So when you’re stressed, overwhelmed and eating poorly your immune system is compromised, making you more susceptible to illness and physical ailments. I don’t know about you, but when I’m taking good care of myself I get sick less frequently and generally feel healthier and more energetic.
- Get your regular screenings. Raises hand, guilty! Depending on your age, sex, race etc. there are certain types of standard screenings that you should be getting at specified intervals. Regular blood work, diabetes and cholesterol screenings and cancer screenings (breast, cervical, prostate etc.) not only save you money (early detection may mean less invasive treatment and lower costs), but also save your life! Don’t wait until you’re feeling chest pain to have an EKG in the ER.
- See your PCP before things get bad. If you’re not feeling well on Friday morning, see if your Primary Care Provider can squeeze you in his/her schedule. There’s nothing worse than feeling terrible over the weekend and trying to, “hang on” until Monday so you don’t end up in the ER. If your actual MD can’t see you, ask to see another MD in the practice. You might also want ask if there’s a Nurse Practitioner (NP) you could see. NPs can prescribe medication and provide many of the same treatments that MDs can. In my experience, they also take a little more time to listen to your symptoms and concerns because they aren’t as overbooked and rushed as the MDs.
- Try urgent care. If you have an urgent care center in your immediate area consider going there before going to the ER. Urgent care centers are staffed by MDs and nurses who can handle many of the same conditions and concerns that the ER can. The cost of treatment at an urgent care center is often a fraction of the price of the ER and you’re usually seen much quicker. When I was sick a few weeks ago and needed to see an MD I went to urgent care. Much to my surprise, I was seen 10 minutes after I walked through the door! Let’s just say if you get service that fast in an ER, you’re probably having a stroke!
- Do research online. Minor scrapes, irritations and burns can be treated at home to save big bucks. Reputable hospitals and research centers offer a lot of information on their websites. Did you know that calamine lotion helps relieve chickenpox discomfort, first degree burns should be held under cool running water then covered with sterile gauze, and witch hazel provides relief from hemorrhoid itching? If you can treat yourself at home, or wait until business hours to see your doctor, you can avoid ER visits and ER bills!
- Call Dr. Mom. If your mom is really a doctor, awesome! If she’s not, she probably still has a bunch of good advice to give. Some anecdotal home remedies really do work. I was recently feeling a little off and having some digestive/urinary issues (over-share, I know!). What Dr. Mom prescribed? All-natural cranberry juice, lots of fluids and rest. What my actual MD prescribed? The same thing! Glad I avoided the ER? You bet!
How do you avoid ER visits?
**I’m on vacation this week with my grandparents (yay!). I appreciate each and every one your comments and will respond to all of them as soon as I return! Have a wonderful week!**
Image: NCinDC