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
909 Views
If you look at your policy
- 10/02/2010 03:27:15 PM
566 Views
I'm all for being a control freak when I can.
- 11/02/2010 03:07:37 PM
538 Views
- 11/02/2010 03:07:37 PM
538 Views
One other thing you should be aware of
- 11/02/2010 03:25:07 PM
539 Views
You might want to call your insurer and talk to them about who to see.
- 10/02/2010 03:34:53 PM
497 Views
Do you think an actual person would have better referrals than the website?
- 11/02/2010 03:14:01 PM
550 Views
I don't think we'll be able to do you much good.
- 10/02/2010 03:36:57 PM
500 Views
For CU, that list seems to be really outdated.
- 11/02/2010 12:13:06 AM
456 Views
and as far as the frustrating part...
- 11/02/2010 01:58:39 AM
335 Views
Hmmm.
- 11/02/2010 03:17:50 PM
333 Views
Most doctor's offices
- 11/02/2010 03:32:55 PM
514 Views
Mine was a little as well.
- 11/02/2010 12:46:45 PM
491 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
337 Views
I just know a worried person should not pay a damn cent...
- 10/02/2010 03:53:19 PM
521 Views
Why? Should I not have to think about how to pay for my dinner tonight?
- 10/02/2010 04:23:31 PM
484 Views
The Dole or hardship funds should help people who can't afford food
- 10/02/2010 04:28:49 PM
364 Views
I agree, the needy should be helped.
- 10/02/2010 04:32:45 PM
452 Views
I don't agree with your characterization of commonly proposed healthcare solutions.
- 10/02/2010 04:42:06 PM
503 Views
I don't think he's mischaracterizing anything so much as responding to Jens' point directly.
- 10/02/2010 04:54:55 PM
559 Views
As a response to Jens' point, it works, but he used very general language.
- 10/02/2010 07:37:20 PM
332 Views
Furnace? Health? Erm...
- 10/02/2010 08:04:03 PM
366 Views
no
- 10/02/2010 08:40:12 PM
352 Views
I didn't like the example
- 10/02/2010 08:46:24 PM
462 Views
- 10/02/2010 08:46:24 PM
462 Views
I see no problem with the state paying the vast majority of medical costs
- 10/02/2010 04:53:57 PM
559 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
157 Views
I've never been sent a thing from them...
- 10/02/2010 04:28:57 PM
482 Views
I believe, although I no longer am covered by Blue Cross, that most tests are covered.
- 10/02/2010 11:28:34 PM
423 Views
I have no idea regarding insurance
- 11/02/2010 10:32:11 AM
480 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
242 Views
Your doctor's office should be able to answer most questions for you
- 11/02/2010 02:36:10 PM
316 Views


*NM*