My visit to the ER yesterday

[KatyMan]

100. that is actually a pretty good policy now

most of the big insurance companies have gone to "consumer driven' model. My wife works for one as a nurse case manager- and our deductible is 2500.00; copay at primary care is 15% of negotiated rate; copay for meds varies from 10 to 50 dollars an in some instances more; hospitalization requires a 20% copay until out of pocket max is met. (4500.00)

One of the things that I have learned from her is that primary care is an absolute must. Seeing your doctor BEFORE things get bad is much better for everyone involved- the patient; the ER (lessens their load); the insurance company. And you do have a relationship with your primary care doctor, so your care is likely to be much more personalized.

i realize there are times when one must utilize the ER, but there are many times when it wouldn't have been necessary if the patient was being followed by the primary care doctor and/or sought care when symptoms first appear.

All that being said, glad the OP is doing better!