Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 70 These are questions or comments that we frequently hear from patients. After all, healthcare can be confusing, expensive, and stressful. So why should patients have a primary care provider when there are so many quicker, more-convenient healthcare options? Most of our patients, especially our younger population assume, "I'm healthy and rarely need a doctor so a primary care provider isn't for me. I will just swing into walk-in care when I feel under the weather." When I need a doctor, where should I go first and why? My primary care provider, walk-in care, or the emergency department? It is important to establish with a primary care provider for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it is beneficial to go to someone who knows you, your past medical history, and pertinent family history as well. It is also very important for you as a person to see someone you are comfortable with and openly share information with so you can receive appropriate treatment as quickly and correctly as possible. Currently, primary care providers are in high demand and sometimes the ability to get an appointment with the provider of your choice can take months; however, the Great Falls Clinic is actively recruiting and hiring professional healthcare workers in the community to meet this need. • A typical office visit charge with your primary care provider without insurance is approximately $160-180. If you have insurance, a copay may range from $15-50. • A walk-in care visit to a provider you have never seen before, may cost you more because he/she doesn't know you or your medical history; therefore, more time will be spent on the history and exam resulting in a higher charge potentially. Walk-in care charges are often similar to office visit charges listed in the bullet above with and without insurance. • A visit to the Emergency Room will start at approximately $500 but frequently the bills will be higher than $2,000 due to professional fees, tests ordered and other fees like ambulance rides, etc. Here are a few statistics on visit types and pricing that may surprise you: So why should patients have a primar y care provider when there are so many quicker, more- convenient healthcare options? Choosing The Right Medical Care For You by Lori Henderson and Samantha Shinaberger at the Great Falls Clinic

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