How does someone without insurace seek treatment for an injury?

Question

A friend of mine injured her knee in a fall three weeks ago, and it's still in really bad shape. She went to an urgent-care facility, where they took X-rays. Unfortunately, these were inconclusive, and they said she'd need to see a specialist. She has no insurance. She lives in Florida. What recourse might she have?

Answer 1

Save up and pay cash

Answer 2

She first needs to call her County Health Department and although it may take awhile in the waiting room if they have a doctor she'll be seen.Be aware though that if she has no insurance services will not be free-how much she'll pay will be determined by her income and to avoid delays have her bring proof of residency-utility bill ,Drivers License if she has and last years W2form showing what she earned and if she made below a certain amount then she'll pay very little(amount varies by state).If the Health Dept does not have a doctor then they will refer to a clinic or clinics that accept non insurance and the fees there too will be based on income so ID an W2-proof of wages earned will be necessary, Whatever she qualifies for if she's really in pain etc take her to an Emergency Room at a city o town hospital with the same documents. Good Luck

Answer 3

Most hospitals have charity care. She can go to any hospital and get an appointment. After the appointment she will get a bill which she will take to the hospitals charity care department and depending upon her income she will have to pay a small %age or maybe nothing. Then she can even apply for a discounted payment at the same hospital. I myself don't have any insurance and applied for disocunted payment at a hospital. Best of luck. In the meantime to reiliev pain she can use wet heat, like pour hot water on the knee 3-4 times a day for 3-4 mts. She can take the extra strength tylenol for pain and use some pain relieving ointment, but don't massage too hard.

Answer 4

You can check for free clinics..or ones that take payments. If none is available...go to the emergency room. After all is done and she gets a bill...she can apply for "charity care" with the hospital. After she fills out the paper work she could possibly get the whole bill taken care of. Not everyone can afford medical. I live in Washington state and applied for the "basic health" program. I still have to pay something every month...based on what I make. And I do have deductibles...again everything is based on what you make....maybe your state may have something similar....Good Luck!

Answer 5

Most hospitals will treat you through the emergency room and you can learn what additional medical attention that you need. If you don't have insurance ask them to set up payment plan whereby you pay them X amount each month. Most Dr's this day and time want payments certified by insurance or X amount down before they will perform services needed. Best thing is to be honest with care givers, tell them you have no insurance, but will pay them on payment schedule..

Answer 6

I work as a grants manager for a healthcare non-profit. It runs several free clinics across our city. See if her city has any free clinics in the area. She sounds like she may fit the need criteria. They usually require that the patient be non-insured, under insured and/or low-income. If she sees a doctor at a free clinic, that doctor should be able to refer her to a specialist and she would not have to pay the bill. Just make sure that she does a little research to see that whatever free clinic she goes to has patient referral services. I hope this helps, and I hope she heals!

Answer 7

go to the hospital, emergency room, when they ask, tell them the truth. There is usually a hospital in every major city that will take those who do not have insurance.

Answer 8

She can seek indigent health care at the county clinic she resides in unless she is employed and making to much. It is based on salary and monies at hand.

Answer 9

Go to the emergency room.

Answer 10

With cash in hand, or in Canada