I've had nagging sinus pain for a week now and I decided that it was time to do something about it. I don't have a doctor here (I really should find one) so I looked at my options. I could find a new doctor from the list of preferred providers from my insurance, I could go to an Urgent Care facility, or I could try out one of the new Minute Clinics at the CVS drug store. Finding a doctor was the least convenient option. Doctors in this town seem to only practice on the opposite side of town from me. Also, I would have to go during work hours and since I am riding with someone else, I would have to coordinate my schedule with her.
I am not sure if Urgent Care places are covered completely by my insurance. I also don't know where one is that is close-by.
I did spot a Minute Clinic on my side of town a few months ago and made a mental note to check it out. Yesterday I looked up their website here and looked at the list of services. They have a menu with prices for simple things like allergies, burns, and sinus infections ranging in price from $59-$69. They also do immunizations and health screenings. I love knowing the price up front. If I didn't have insurance and had to pay cash this would be a good choice. They also listed insurance programs that accept Minute Clinic as 'in-network' and mine was on there. Knowing the price up front AND getting my insurance to pay is even better.
So, after work I drove over there. They are open until 8pm which is very convenient. There was no one else waiting and I just filled out my information at a computer kiosk and then talked to the nurse practitioner. She asked me questions and filled out the insurance and prescription forms and then sent my prescription over to the CVS pharmacy. I wandered through CVS for 10 minutes while my prescription was filled and I was headed home in just under 1 hour from start to finish!
I'm still unsure about how my insurance will handle the bill. I didn't have a co-pay amount listed on my card so they charged me $20. I'm hoping that I get that money back but we will see. Also, I'm not sure if my prescription is covered by my insurance so I think I will call them tomorrow. It was only $15 but if they will reimburse me that will be even better.
Overall, I am very happy with my experience. It was convenient, friendly, quick and no hassle. Just the way health care should be (but hardly ever is).
8 comments:
I've been wondering about those kind of clinics lately. I thought they might be good to use for the routine stuff once I reach post employer provided insurance days. Especially if I go with a high deductible health insurance policy for early retirement. Plus, I don't like going to the doctor, and they sound a lot less stressful for the kind of services they can provide.
Glad to hear you had a good experience with it :)
Sorry about the sinus infection :(
Leftover from your Thanksgiving sickness?
Is it truly the holidays without a sinus infection? :) At least you should be feeling better by Christmas.
Over The Cubicle Wall, I think those clinics will be handy with an HSA plan, hopefully they will still be around. Even better would be befriending a doctor!
Big Sis, 'tis the payment for travel I guess. I was the spreader of holiday illnes this year for a change.
Hi Daizy, I hope you feel better soon, at least getting your prescription wasn't too much hassle :)
Wow, that's awesome! I've always hated going to the doctor's, usually because I know what's wrong with me (I have a sinus infection, or need travel vaccinations, or have pink eye etc.), and yet I have to sit there for an hour so some poor guy can shine a light in my ears and down my throat. I can't help but feel that we are both wasting our time (and he is wasting his medical degree). These minute clinic sound like a great alternative.
Good to know that Minute Clinics do the job! And then I can use my RxDrugCard at CVS so I get a discount on my prescriptions.
Thanks Laura, it certainly was nice to get it over with fast.
Shushong, I heartily agree. I usually know what I need. I'd rather use a doctor for the skills he was trained for and not for the little things. So much wasted time for everyone.
Lily, yes I was thinking I probably could have gotten a discount somehow. I checked my health insurance and it said $15 was the ususal price. If I needed drugs more often it would be wise to sign up with a discount program.
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