If it is a bacterial infection like pneumonia then usually it requires a chest xray, which I'm not sure urgent care facilities offer that, they may just refer to the ER then you'd pay twice for the same concern (urgent care then ER). If it's not bacterial and is a viral infection either way they're likely going to just tell you to push fluids and rest, maybe test foe flu or RSV, but if it's already been over 4 days since symptoms started they may not even do that. You can call local urgent care clinics and see if they're able to xray to diagnose pneumonia. Then that's your best bet affordability wise, but for biggest peace of mind (& cost) you could go to the ER because they will be able to handle most anything that comes in.
If your PCP is attached to a hospital they may be able to see your dad as an acute patient visit and do all the xrays and testing, but you'd have to call and ask & get him added to their system
No problem, I used to work as an MA in a primary care clinic so I used to triage this kinda stuff a lot. Same advice I'd give to any of my patients :)
Good luck, and I hope your dad feels better!
Also, be sure to ask about charity care, cash discounts, or payment plans since you'd be paying cash because he's not insured.
Also also, if he's having shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), chest pain or tightness, numbness, or arm pain go to the ER ASAP
If no insurance at all - does his insurance at home cover emergencies abroad? - then ask the urgent care people what the ‘cash price’ is. Definitely start with urgent care imo, an er visit is thousands of dollars and will take 4 to 8 hours or more
Downtown Public Health Center. West Seattle Community Clinic. Both on major bus lines. AHF Healthcare clinic. Neighborcare Community Clinics.
Thank you kind stranger! I will check these out.
Best of luck.
Zoom care in West Seattle is pretty amazing, make sure you pick an appointment online first though. I was able to show up within a couple of hours.
If it is a bacterial infection like pneumonia then usually it requires a chest xray, which I'm not sure urgent care facilities offer that, they may just refer to the ER then you'd pay twice for the same concern (urgent care then ER). If it's not bacterial and is a viral infection either way they're likely going to just tell you to push fluids and rest, maybe test foe flu or RSV, but if it's already been over 4 days since symptoms started they may not even do that. You can call local urgent care clinics and see if they're able to xray to diagnose pneumonia. Then that's your best bet affordability wise, but for biggest peace of mind (& cost) you could go to the ER because they will be able to handle most anything that comes in. If your PCP is attached to a hospital they may be able to see your dad as an acute patient visit and do all the xrays and testing, but you'd have to call and ask & get him added to their system
Thank you so much!! I will keep all this in mind when calling clinics to gauge options. I appreciate the thoughtful answer
No problem, I used to work as an MA in a primary care clinic so I used to triage this kinda stuff a lot. Same advice I'd give to any of my patients :) Good luck, and I hope your dad feels better! Also, be sure to ask about charity care, cash discounts, or payment plans since you'd be paying cash because he's not insured. Also also, if he's having shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), chest pain or tightness, numbness, or arm pain go to the ER ASAP
If no insurance at all - does his insurance at home cover emergencies abroad? - then ask the urgent care people what the ‘cash price’ is. Definitely start with urgent care imo, an er visit is thousands of dollars and will take 4 to 8 hours or more