Want an easy saving money tip on Urgent Care Clinics? Many think they are being frugal by visiting your friendly neighborhood clinic instead of the hospital. What you might not know is that the clinic is owned by the hospital, and therefore bills like a hospital.
This article in the Wall Street Journal noted that about 29 percent of urgent care clinics are owned or co-owned by hospitals, which makes them a lot pricier than their independently-owned counterparts.
In fact, a visit to a hospital-owned urgent care clinic might cost you three times as much as a visit to a clinic owned by an independent doctor or group of doctors.
What should you do? Price it out, just like you would any other purchase.
Anytime you make a doctor’s appointment, ask whether the clinic is owned by or associated with a hospital. Then ask what you can expect to pay for a visit. Call a few clinics and ask the same question. You should also call your insurance company to find out how much of the bill will be covered by insurance.
Most of us don’t think about shopping around to find the best healthcare, but this we should, especially in today’s economy. Taking this tip, and all our saving money tips will get you closer to the life you want.
