Emergency Preparedness

Your Emergency Kit

Life-saving information, negotiation scripts, and cost-awareness tools for when medical emergencies strike.

Find Nearest Emergency Room

Enter your zipcode or town to find the closest emergency rooms with estimated self-pay pricing.

When to Call 911 Immediately

These symptoms require emergency medical attention. Do not delay—call 911 or go to the nearest ER:

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe bleeding
  • Signs of stroke (face droop, arm weakness)
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Suspected poisoning or overdose
Call 911

Know the Cost Reality

ER visits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+ even for non-emergencies. Understanding costs helps you prepare financially.

ER Facility Fee$500-$3,000
Doctor Fee$200-$1,500
Tests & Imaging$500-$5,000
Typical Total$1,200-$9,500

Urgent Care Alternative

For non-life-threatening issues, urgent care can save you thousands while providing quality treatment.

Visit Fee$100-$200
Basic X-ray$50-$150
Lab Tests$30-$200
Typical Total$150-$550

How to Request Self-Pay Pricing

Use these scripts when calling emergency rooms or hospitals to get upfront self-pay pricing:

Script #1: Initial Contact

"Hi, I need to visit the emergency room and I'll be paying out-of-pocket. Can you please tell me:

  • • What is your facility fee for an ER visit?
  • • What is the typical doctor/physician fee?
  • • Do you offer a self-pay discount or cash discount?
  • • Can I get a written estimate before treatment?"

Script #2: Negotiate After Visit

"I received my ER bill and I'm paying out-of-pocket. I'd like to:

  • • Request an itemized statement showing all charges
  • • Apply for your financial assistance program
  • • Request a self-pay discount (typically 30-60% off)
  • • Set up a payment plan with zero interest"

Script #3: Prescription Assistance

"I was prescribed medications in the ER. Can you help me:

  • • Find the generic version of this medication?
  • • Get a prescription sent to Cost Plus Drugs (costplusdrugs.com)?
  • • Access any patient assistance programs?
  • • Request a 90-day supply to reduce per-pill cost?"

Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing information is based on publicly reported data and may not reflect your actual costs.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions. Prices shown are estimates for self-pay patients and may vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances.

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