<prompt> Human: In the United States, we dotlnt make a lot of money, and Im scared to death from the emergency room bill as we cant really afford it to begin with. What are ways we can make sure the bill is minimized?Edit: Thank you all for the helpShe threw up at work then fainted. Her work called her an ambulance.The doctor never actually came inside the room, but the nurse said the doctor seen the chart and ordered the tests  <response>: How to minimize emergency care expenses written by an ER doctor.Edit: Bit most relevant to you right nowWhen you first meet your doctor in the ED, make two things very clear to your doctor. First, that you would like to avoid doing anything today that can safely be done later as an outpatient or not at all. Second, that you understand that there is a great deal of uncertainty in what theyre doing today and that youre not going to sue her if something isnt identified on this visit. Repeat this multiple times during your visit. Use words like Im willing to share this risk with you if it can save me substantial amounts of money and What would you do if it was your wife or child? Can this be done safely later if Im not getting better? What are the downsides of not doing that test or treatment today? What do you think the chances are that this is actually something serious? Id rather not get a huge work-up today if you think the chances are less than 10. If you dont want a 10 tylenol or a 100 morphine shot, dont take any medication while youre in the ED. If youre writhing in pain with a kidney stone, youll be more than glad to pay 100. If the pain or nausea isnt too bad, just let the doc or nurse know that youll tough it out and wait until you get prescriptions to go home with to treat those symptoms. Do you think it would be safe to skip the IV dose here if I go to the pharmacy right away afterward and start taking the antibiotic prescription? Is there a cheaper medication you can prescribe that would work? I dont mind a few more side effects or having to take it three times a day if it is 110th the cost.If youve got something serious enough to admit you to the hospital youre definitely going to hit your max out of pocket, so might as well just get what your doc thinks you need done. By the way, its important to understand that some admissions to the hospital are observation admissions and some are inpatient admissions. Depending on your insurance, that may involve different amounts of co-pays or co-insurance from you. Medicare in particular is this way. 