(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 03, 2009 ) DETROIT, MI - In our struggling economy, more people are finding themselves unable to afford the cost of health care. Keeping costs down when you're uninsured or under-insured is not easy, but learning from one common mistake and a few tips can help you avoid big costs down the road.

One common and costly mistake people without health insurance make is using the emergency room as a source of primary care instead of a doctor’s office. This is an extremely expensive place to seek treatment and should only be used when absolutely necessary; in life-threatening situations. In other cases people delay basic medical care until their condition becomes serious enough for the ER. This is dangerous, both financially and physically. In many cases it is less expensive to take your medications or have regular doctor visits than it is to go to the ER and be subsequently admitted to the hospital for treatment of a neglected chronic condition.

Instead, here are some things you can do to avoid a preventable trip to the ER:

1. Use an urgent care or walk-in clinic instead. These places may be more suited to your needs (as long as your condition is not life-threatening) and are much cheaper. To find an urgent care or walk-in clinic near you visit www.WhereToFindCare.com.

2. Take your medications. If you can't afford them, many drug companies, free clinics, pharmacies and other community organizations have programs to pay for or subsidize the cost of medications for people in need. A good place to start your research is www.needymeds.org. Also, talk to your doctor. He or she may know of more programs that can help you.

3. Don't skimp on your primary care, especially if you have a chronic condition that must be monitored. If you can no longer afford your doctor, don't be afraid to talk to her or to compare prices of other offices. If you used to have health insurance, ask to pay the same as your insurance company used to pay. Ask for a self-pay discount. If these tactics do not work, shop around and compare prices like any other major purchase. Then show your doctor the lower pricing you found of other local physicians. If your doctor refuses to work with you, start looking for another one who will.

If all else fails or you are still unable to afford discounted rates you negotiate with your doctor, find a free clinic in your area on www.WhereToFindCare.com . You may qualify for free or reduced fee services from the clinics listed. Call clinics directly to first to see if you qualify and whether they offer the services you require.



About WhereToFindCare.com, LLC

WhereToFindCare.com, LLC seeks to empower people in health care decision making. The firm provides a website that combines quality and satisfaction data of many different types of health care facilities and presents them in a clear, concise format which eases patients’ decision making process. It also allows patients, families and visitors to rate health care so that others may benefit from their knowledge. To request more information, visit: www.wheretofindcare.com/contactus.aspx

Contact Information:
WhereToFindCare.com LLC
Barbara O’Connell
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