During extreme pain, emergency rooms can offer comfort and healing. They are the place people go when it’s just too much to handle. Assistance is needed, and it can feel like you may not have any choice in the matter. If more than one clinic is nearby, you could think ahead, researching policies and treatments. With this knowledge, you might be able to get the aid and save some money along the way. Here are three things to consider.
What Are the Standard Wait Times?
If you’re heading to the ER, you’re at a point where you want immediate attention. Sitting around for an hour or so isn’t an option. Instead, you want prompt response; hopefully, you’re in a room within 15 to 30 minutes, and a doctor might be at your bedside immediately. This is possible nowadays with modern technology and outlet emergency rooms. Many of them have online check-ins. Before you leave, look for one with quick access.
How Efficient Is Billing?
The thought of an ER bill can be terrifying. Operating room charges can be expensive, racking up pretty quickly as you pay the doctor and hospital for time and services. Don’t wait until you’re in extreme pain to find out about how the facilities charge. Instead, ask around your neighborhood. Where do others go? What have their experiences been? Then, when something happens, you can be prepared for where to head.
Is It in Your Network?
Insurance can save you a lot, but it’s important to know your plan. Is the local establishment in your network? If so, what is your deductible, and how does the plan pay for medicine and procedures? If it’s out-of-network, can you have coverage? Sometimes you’ll need to pay higher deductible prices if that’s the case. Also, when you arrive, check on whether the doctor takes your insurance. Sometimes a medical building takes it, but the doctor doesn’t. That can create quite the hassle in working out the bills.
Give yourself a leg up. Know what is around you, and how it works.