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You do not need referrals to go to an ER, and they will perform initial care, including x-rays and surgery if needed. If you don’t need immediate surgery they
by elteto 4y ago
You do not need referrals to go to an ER, and they will perform initial care, including x-rays and surgery if needed.
If you don’t need immediate surgery they will patch you up and send you away, and that’s when you have to go see a specialist with a referral (if your plan requires it).
Did you go to the ER?
Also, don’t mess with joints, go see a Dr.
- nickysielicki 4y agoNo, I didn’t go to the ER. That sounds expensive, and I am a cheap bastard.
- unethical_ban 4y agoJoints are critical. I can't judge without knowing a situation, but I wouldn't want to live my life with a fucked up elbow because I didn't go to the doctor. When I was briefly without insurance between jobs, I went on a desert hike and was scared about getting injured, so I get it.
- v64 4y agoI suggest reading this reddit post about hospital billing [1]. You certainly have options other than paying a shitload or leaving your arm untreated. Money can be negotiated, but you only get one body. Edit: I see elsewhere in the thread you have health insurance. If you're paying for it, utilize it. You're in a better position to deal with this than uninsured people. [1] https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueOffMyChest/comments/x9b7vm/im_probably_going_to_kill_myself_over_my_hospital/ https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueOffMyChest/comments/x9b7vm/im_p...
- mustacheemperor 4y agoYour untreated joint injury has a strong chance of winding up much more expensive later, especially if you develop chronic symptoms that make it difficult to work.
- stronglikedan 4y agoIf you have insurance, an urgent care center is typically much cheaper and faster than an ER visit, for non-life-threatening injuries.
- elteto 4y agoUrgent cares don’t do surgery. My preference is always ER if there’s a major injury that might require surgery.
- yamtaddle 4y agoA lot of urgent cares don't do much at all. Many don't even do X-Rays. Most are basically just there to treat very-minor, clean, uncomplicated, superficial injuries, and to tell you "yep, that thing you already knew is a sinus infection is a sinus infection, here's a prescription for antibiotics" when it's a weekend and you can't see a normal doctor, or the normal doctor's wait time is too long.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- swamp40 4y agoER's have separate deductibles. $500-$2K is pretty typical just to walk in the door. HMO's usually require referrals. PPO's usually need no referrals and you can go many more places.