| For those of us that have health insurance, we | | | | amount. Depending on the extent of your health |
| normally go to the doctor when we get sick. We | | | | problems, that can add up to many thousands of |
| are able to catch many maladies before they turn | | | | dollars. For someone that can't afford health |
| into something more serious and require more | | | | insurance in the first place, that sort of bill can be |
| extensive treatment, surgery, or a hospital stay. | | | | crippling. |
| Some, however, are not as lucky. They are | | | | While this sort of use of the emergency room is |
| either unwilling or unable to get health insurance, | | | | understandable, some people will use the |
| and normally live with the day-to-day health issues | | | | emergency room for less severe maladies like the |
| because they feel like they have no other choice. | | | | flu. Since the law states the emergency room |
| They do not feel like they can afford to see | | | | cannot refuse treatment, they must see the |
| someone in nurse shoes to run a test, or a | | | | patient. And if the patient can't pay, the hospital is |
| doctor to prescribe medicine. Instead, they let | | | | stuck with trying to get whatever money they |
| whatever is ailing them continue, hoping that it will | | | | can from the patient, or eating the cost. This sort |
| go away on its own. | | | | of practice raises costs for everyone and drives |
| Sometimes, it does. A cold will run its course or a | | | | those who wear Cherokee scrubs mad. |
| sprained ankle will heal. Sometimes, however, | | | | Fortunately there are programs that offer |
| things don't get better. In these cases, a trip to | | | | alternatives to emergency room care. These |
| the emergency room is usually in order. And that's | | | | programs often offer free or reduced-cost care |
| when things get expensive. Even with insurance, a | | | | for routine visits that don't necessitate an ER trip. |
| trip to the emergency room can be costly. All the | | | | These sorts of programs are good for everyone. |
| tests and procedures are not cheap, and they | | | | The patient gets the care they need. The |
| may only be covered partially under your plan. | | | | emergency room is freed up for the patients with |
| When the doctor in the Cherokee pants stitches | | | | more severe injuries and needs. And the hospitals |
| up a wound or performs a CAT scan if you don't | | | | do not have to try to get payment from |
| have insurance, you will be billed for the full | | | | someone that can't afford it in the first place. |