In Jacksonville, FL, clinics are taking the pressure off overworked emergency rooms [1]--and saving money in the process. A substantial number of emergency department visits are not life-threatening cases, such as ear and respiratory infections. These cases end up in the ER because uninsured patients have nowhere else to turn. But clinics provide patients another option by treating common illnesses for about $60 a pop, as opposed to the typical $1,500 bill that accompanies the average ER visit. Article [2]
Links:
[1] http://fiercehealthcare.com/story/report-ers-close-to-crisis/2006-06-15
[2] http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2006/08/07/story1.html?b=1154923200%5e1325239