How to Find a Doctor When You Don't Have Insurance

Over 46 million Americans were without health insurance coverage in 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For those without coverage, going without medical care may seem like the only option available until they can buy insurance or get a job that provides health insurance. Federal, state and local resources, however, provide free or low-cost options if you do not have insurance.

Instructions

• 1

  Find a community health center. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, runs a network of low-cost community health centers and free clinics across the country where you can find a doctor if you do not have insurance. HRSA clinic doctors charge fees based on what you can afford to pay. In addition to medical care, many HRSA sites offer free or low-cost dental services as well. HRSA's website offers a simple search tool to find a clinic in your community.

• 2

  Use a retail health clinic. Retail health clinics are doctor's offices located in a retail setting, such as a shopping mall, pharmacy or a drugstore. You do not need health insurance to see a doctor at a retail health clinic, and most retail clinics accept walk-in patients. Fees vary for a visit to a retail health clinic, and services focus mostly on treating common illnesses and giving vaccinations or other preventive care. MinuteClinic, a retail health clinic chain, charges $69 for an exam and $29 for a vaccination.

• 3

  Visit an urgent care facility. Urgent care centers are walk-in clinics and healthcare centers that offer immediate care for minor illnesses and injuries. Urgent care clinics are usually open longer hours---including late nights and weekends---and doctors will see you immediately. Fees vary based on the type of service; most urgent care clinics accept both cash and credit cards, so you do not need health insurance to find a doctor. The Urgent Care Association of America offers a tool to find urgent care centers nationwide, and internet directories like FindUrgentCare provide clickable maps to help you find an urgent care clinic.

• 4

  Go to the emergency room. If you do not have health insurance but need to find a doctor, your local community hospital's emergency room can help. Emergency rooms are part of the healthcare safety net in the United States, treating patients without consideration of ability to pay, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians. You may have to wait to see a doctor if your injuries are not life-threatening, and you likely will not see the same doctor twice on repeat visits---but emergency rooms will help you find a doctor if you do not have health insurance.