And I don't live in the US, so I guess you can take this with a grain of salt...
But you should definitely have a GP. Generally, GPs are cheaper than going to the ER. Also, (at least here), ER doctors are usually residents, who are therefore younger, less sure of themselves and will order more tests (thereby also raising costs). GPs tend to be a little older and more experienced and will have a better idea of where and what to look for. They will be able to refer you to a specialist or for tests if necessary and will deal with the problem themselves if it's manageable. In the hospital you easily get sucked into Specialist Consults of Doom (TM) and end up with way more care than you ever wanted...
So anyway. GPs good. My two cents
But you should definitely have a GP. Generally, GPs are cheaper than going to the ER. Also, (at least here), ER doctors are usually residents, who are therefore younger, less sure of themselves and will order more tests (thereby also raising costs). GPs tend to be a little older and more experienced and will have a better idea of where and what to look for. They will be able to refer you to a specialist or for tests if necessary and will deal with the problem themselves if it's manageable. In the hospital you easily get sucked into Specialist Consults of Doom (TM) and end up with way more care than you ever wanted...
So anyway. GPs good. My two cents
Neutral Observer
I have a medical costs question too...
10/02/2010 03:08:14 PM
- 778 Views
If you look at your policy
10/02/2010 03:27:15 PM
- 435 Views
I'm all for being a control freak when I can.
11/02/2010 03:07:37 PM
- 394 Views
One other thing you should be aware of
11/02/2010 03:25:07 PM
- 404 Views
You might want to call your insurer and talk to them about who to see.
10/02/2010 03:34:53 PM
- 353 Views
Do you think an actual person would have better referrals than the website?
11/02/2010 03:14:01 PM
- 408 Views
I don't think we'll be able to do you much good.
10/02/2010 03:36:57 PM
- 376 Views
For CU, that list seems to be really outdated.
11/02/2010 12:13:06 AM
- 344 Views
and as far as the frustrating part...
11/02/2010 01:58:39 AM
- 225 Views
Hmmm.
11/02/2010 03:17:50 PM
- 217 Views
Most doctor's offices
11/02/2010 03:32:55 PM
- 385 Views
Mine was a little as well.
11/02/2010 12:46:45 PM
- 368 Views
It was funny, because most of them were medical-ish, but I got a bariatric center, a therapist...
11/02/2010 02:25:03 PM
- 217 Views
I just know a worried person should not pay a damn cent...
10/02/2010 03:53:19 PM
- 407 Views
Why? Should I not have to think about how to pay for my dinner tonight?
10/02/2010 04:23:31 PM
- 352 Views
The Dole or hardship funds should help people who can't afford food
10/02/2010 04:28:49 PM
- 259 Views
I agree, the needy should be helped.
10/02/2010 04:32:45 PM
- 341 Views
I don't agree with your characterization of commonly proposed healthcare solutions.
10/02/2010 04:42:06 PM
- 389 Views
I don't think he's mischaracterizing anything so much as responding to Jens' point directly.
10/02/2010 04:54:55 PM
- 443 Views
As a response to Jens' point, it works, but he used very general language.
10/02/2010 07:37:20 PM
- 222 Views
Furnace? Health? Erm...
10/02/2010 08:04:03 PM
- 244 Views
no
10/02/2010 08:40:12 PM
- 234 Views
I didn't like the example
10/02/2010 08:46:24 PM
- 348 Views
I see no problem with the state paying the vast majority of medical costs
10/02/2010 04:53:57 PM
- 443 Views
Have you never looked at the boatloads of information that your insurer has surely sent to you? *NM*
10/02/2010 04:19:09 PM
- 98 Views
I've never been sent a thing from them...
10/02/2010 04:28:57 PM
- 376 Views
I believe, although I no longer am covered by Blue Cross, that most tests are covered.
10/02/2010 11:28:34 PM
- 302 Views
I have no idea regarding insurance
11/02/2010 10:32:11 AM
- 370 Views
Yes, and just in general, it's good to have a GP. But they are elusive creatures. Like unicorns. *NM*
11/02/2010 03:33:24 PM
- 194 Views
Your doctor's office should be able to answer most questions for you
11/02/2010 02:36:10 PM
- 209 Views