Emergency Room Alternatives

Some people go to hospital emergency rooms for the treatment of minor medical problems because they do not have health insurance or because they do not want to wait for an appointment at their doctor's office or local clinic. However, emergency rooms are for the treatment of serious and life-threatening conditions. There are clinics where people can be treated for less serious health problems even without health insurance or if a person can't afford to pay. The advantage in going to a clinic is you can get treatment and care before an emergency develops.

The following resources can help you find a clinic in or near your community:

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

To find a health care clinic that provides health care services, even if you don't have insurance or money, click http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc. You can also view the website for the Florida Association of Community Health Centers by clicking www.fachc.org

COUNTY HEALTH DEPT

County Health Departments provide some direct medical care and may know of other programs where you can get care in your community. To find the office in your area view the Florida Department of Health's website www.FloridasHealth.com. On the homepage find your county in the section “Access health services in your community.”

FOR FLORIDA'S HEALTH

The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida (in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida) has a list of resources for residents of Florida who do not have health insurance or who are underserved. You do not have to be a Blue Cross Blue Shield member to use this service. To view their website, click www.ForFloridasHealth.com.

OTHER RESOURCES

Be sure to look at the other topics listed in the Medical Help Section by clicking Referral Links.