It’s after hours and you feel miserable. You decide to go to your local emergency room. They run tests, give you meds, and send you on your way. Easy, right? But then a month later, you start getting bills — expensive bills. One from the hospital for thousands of dollars, another from the lab for a thousand more, and still another from the doctor who examined you. That’s when you find out the doctor was out of network. How were you supposed to know? Show
The scenario may sound far-fetched, but in reality, it’s all too common. Emergency departments across the country charge 12 times more than a primary care physician and 10 times more than an urgent care facility. That’s according to a UnitedHealth Group study published in 2019 for visits not considered true emergencies. Of the 27 million ER visits per year, 18 million are considered non-emergencies. What can you do to save money? Let’s take a look at why ERs charge so much, what’s considered a true emergency, and where you can go for more affordable care in non-emergency situations.  Why are ER bills so high?Emergency departments charge what’s called a “facility fee.” It’s the price you pay for walking through the doors to seek help. These fees are coded on a scale of 1 to 5, depending on the seriousness of your medical issue. You’re also paying for a facility that’s open 24/7 with supplies and medications at the ready. What’s more, some hospitals don’t contract with private insurance, or if they do, their physicians may be out of network. But you won’t know until you get your bill. Surprise ER bills have gotten so out of hand that Congress has gotten involved. A bipartisan bill is in the works to protect patients from surprise medical bills. You can read more about it here. In the meantime, here’s a summary of where to go for treatment. Where should I go for treatment?Knowing where to go for medical care could mean the difference between a $200 bill and a $2,000 one. Here’s a breakdown of what situations are best treated at the ER versus an urgent care clinic, primary care office, or via telemedicine, along with average costs as uncovered by the UnitedHealth Group study. Emergency rooms The average cost for a non-emergency visit at an ER is $2,000. You’re better off going elsewhere for care unless you’re dealing with one of the following, but keep in mind that this is not a complete list and you should always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about your medical needs:
Urgent care The average cost for treating a non-emergency condition at a walk-in or urgent care clinic is $193. If you don’t have a true emergency that needs the ER, but you also can’t wait until Monday morning, urgent care can be a good option. Clinics are typically open after hours and on the weekends and can treat non-life-threatening issues like:
Primary care Primary care physicians treat non-life-threatening conditions that are either acute or chronic. Chronic conditions develop over time and last more than six months such as asthma or high blood pressure. An average bill is around $167. Your primary care physician is the best person to see for all your non-life-threatening health concerns. Many also have out-of-hours phone advice lines to help you decide what care you need. Your primary care physician can provide care or help you find the right care for any of your health concerns. Telemedicine Telemedicine is perhaps the most economical of all your care options. Services like GoodRx Care offer online medical visits for a limited number of treatable conditions. Costs range from $20 for a high cholesterol appointment to $100 for a blood type screening. Here are a few other conditions GoodRx Care treats:
Free clinics There are many free, local clinics that provide care to uninsured, underinsured, and medically underserved communities. The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics can help you find a free clinic in your area. What if I end up with a high ER bill?Let’s say you do end up in the emergency room. Here’s what you can do to lower your ER bill: Question the coding Remember those high facility fees? Find out what level your visit was coded and challenge it. Also, study your bill closely and make sure you’re not being charged for something that didn’t happen. Ask for a discount Your ER bill is negotiable. Ask for a discount based on your age, income, or for paying the entire bill upfront. Don’t take no for an answer. Keep calling and keep trying. Negotiate with your insurer If the ER or doctor you saw was out-of-network, try asking your insurer to cover you at an in-network rate. Know your rights The Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) requires emergency departments to screen and stabilize anyone who needs care regardless of their ability to pay. In a CNN Business article, Martin Makary, a Johns Hopkins University professor of surgery and health policy, suggests patients not sign any paperwork promising to pay in full. Per EMTALA, the hospital should still screen and stabilize you. Was this page helpful?thumb_up_outlinedthumb_down_outlined Subscribe and save.Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. How much does an emergency room cost without insurance in us?Average ER Costs Based on The Types of Treatment
For patients without health insurance, an emergency room visit can cost less than $2200.
How much does an ER visit cost in Florida?Florida is the most expensive state for emergency room visits. Moderate-severity ER patients are billed an average of $3,102 before.
How much is urgent care without insurance in Florida?Key Points. For individuals without health insurance, the average trip to urgent care can cost anywhere from $150 to $200.
How much does an urgent care visit cost in Florida?The average cost of an urgent care visit is $100 – $150. Your cost may be higher or lower depending on your insurance coverage and whether you've met your deductible for the year, your copay, and your coinsurance amount.
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How much is an emergency room visit without insurance
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