Cheapest way to see a doctor?

maybe the INSTIGATOR can hook him up w/some cheap health insurance or point him in the right direction too...

I feel for you friend - for 12 years I had nothing - a measely bladder infection would cost me almost 200 for the office visit and the lab work and the Rx when all I needed was some 12.00 antiboitic and I knew darn well what was wrong with me.

He can go to the county and apply for medicaid but if he's not a single parent he may not qualify but it's worth a shot - tell him to go to the building behind the jail on Donner.

Hey that salvation army clinic # is 469-3750 and it's open Tues & Fri from 9 to 2:30. I'd recommend telling him to get there at 8am and wait in line outside or else he'll be there ALL DAY LONG. They take appointments too so have him call but best bet is to have him get there early.

BE CAREFUL!!! Read the fine print!

Last January, I busted up my left shoulder pretty badly in a skiing accident out in Minnesota. While I was currently employed at GM, the medical insurance wasn't scheduled to kick in until March 1st. Also, I didn't bother to submit my COBRA forms since I figured I didn't need it.

Long story short, my grade 3+ shoulder seperation wound up costing me about $2500 out of pocket all said and done. I'm finally getting reimbursed from my COBRA (which I wound up eventually having to pay for... another $890 on top of the already $2500), but I've yet to see all the money back.

On the plus side, the Hospital in Minnesota did give me a 'script for Oxy-Codine

Avoid: Hospital's, X-rays, scheduled return visits (they will bill you either way, if you show up or not).

Rerun, your friend will probably have to pay for the initial office visit/consultation. At that time he should mention he doesn't have insurance and can he set up a payment plan. He'll have better luck if he goes to a larger institution (ie, Henry Ford, St. John, etc.). What's going to be pricey are the x-rays and lab tests.

Some hospitals will set up payment plans (and some will offer a discount for cash payment--this is mostly for surgeries and larger ticket items). Don't be afraid to ask for a discount when talking to the payment plan people. Just try not to wear lots of gold chains and diamonds when you do it.

Some hospitals will bill the heck out of you, then turn you over to a contracted collection agency. I don't know each agency's policy on nonpayment affecting credit scores, but I don't think the hospital itself affects credit scores.

Realize the hospital (while having non-profit status) still needs to cover its costs and hopefully operate with a surplus that is then turned back into the facility and its staff.

Gregg, your boss is right, to a point. EMTALA laws state a person has to be evaluated and stablized in an ER (should they present there) before being discharged or transferred to another hospital.