Health Insurance kicks in in 2 weeks, but I'm sick now - are symptoms serious enough?

Question

Hello All,

I'm a teacher who is currently on the staff-wide 3 month *probation* period, meaning that my health benefits don't kick in until I have been employed for 90 days.

Now, during this time, I've had a few colds, but I am a little more worried about the way I'm feeling now. Currently I have a slight fever, my skin hurts (hard to describe in words, but basically, I'm just very achy to the touch), my throat is sore and red, painful headache, and I have a very stiff and swollen neck (lymph nodes, perhaps).

I am wondered if this could be something more serious than a common cold. Thoughts?

Also, I live in Northern California (Santa Cruz) and would like to know if anyone had any ideas how much a doctor's visit and possible perscription would cost me, considering that I currently am uninsured for the next two weeks.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

you could go to the local health dept and tell them what is going on. usually they will always see the uninsured. also i think that they can give you free or low cost perscriptions.

Answer 2

Normal Doctor Visits when paying cash is different, probably about $45.00-60-00. Prescriptions that depends. Sounds like you need an antibiotic, and normally thru RiteAid penicillian is about $10.00 cash. If your skin is that touchy, with your other symptoms it could be strep throat. Could be just a really bad cold. Just call a Doctor and ask what the charge would be in cash, and go from there.

Answer 3

it sounds like you could have strep throat or possibbly mono you need to be checked out . you can always call around to diff clinics in your area to ask ther price range most run any where from 75 up to 300 dollars depending on what they have to do. good luck and i hope you feel better soon