Seeing a doctor while travelling too expensive in US. Options?

I am in the United States (Miami beach, Florida). I need to see a doctor about a strange, occasional itch that's developed on my lower body. It's not contagious, nor does it display any physical signs (redness, scarring). I have tried all sorts of moisteruizers, itch relief, and anti-bacterial creams, but the itching continues. I think it's really dry skin, but need a doctor's prescription and advice.

I don't have insurance, and the clinics quote 60-100dollar appointment fees to just SPEAK to a doctor. The lineups are long, and the fees, expensive.

What can I do? In Canada, Health Care is free, but here, it's big business, and I feel very small, and sick. What are my options for seeing a doctor about my itch that are within budget?

Thx

Maybe someone will have an option - (Doc in a Box or similar) but until then try Benadryl. Over the counter available at any pharmacy or grocery store's pharmacy section.

So sorry. I hate getting sick or needing a doc on the road

You might want to contact the Canadian Consulate General in Miami:
http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-a...ervices-en.asp

They may be able to answer your questions - I suppose it's possible there's some way to see a doctor in the U.S. and still be covered by the Canadian health care system.

Sorry you are having a problem. Just for the record Canadian Health care is not free. We have pay a medical premium monthly. When we travel we buy travel medical insurance. It is very reasonable and we wouldn't be without it. I don't know what province you live in but in BC we can submit any bills for a Doctor visit and they will reimburse us for whatever they would pay a BC doctor. Of course it isn't as much as you would have to pay out in the States but its something. Travel medical is one of the best investments you can make. Also visiting Americans can buy medical coverage in Canada for their visit. A friend of mine bought it when she visited Canada and ended up having her appendix out needless to say she was very relieved she had the coverage.

That is the about standard fee for walk-in clincis in the US - you might find someplace a little lower, but not significantly.

However, "just to speak to a doctor" often covers the entire visit, with the exception of any prescription medication you might need. Lab tests (blood work, x-rays) would be extra, but these are not usually needed for skin problems.

I would suggest that if you can possibly afford it, you go - you have probably spent much more on this vacation and why have it ruined by a seriously annoying and probably worrisome health issue.

If you visit, tell the MD your health coverage does not cover you in US and while you will still have to pay the fee, they will take that into consideration as to which tests, if any, and what medications, to recommend. In the US those truly indigent can often get free or reduced fee care, but proof is required.

You will likely get lots of free medical advice here - I have offered it to others in the past (as an RN) - but it will be worth everything you pay for it (which is nothing!)

Gail is right on with her advice.

In addition, if you make it clear up front in a friendly way that you are paying Cash (no check, bring actual U.S. dollars), they sometimes reduce the fee.

Some drug stores in the US have a nurse practioner on duty. A nurse practioner can write prescriptions. I don't know what brand name of drug stores there are in Miami. Here stores like Walgreen's or CVS have them. Call first, if the store you call doesn't have one they will know of a store that does.

There will still be a charge, but less than at a clinic.

Sounds like Sea Lice.

Go to a drugstore and talk to the pharmacist. They can tell you whether or not you need to fork out more money to see a doctor or not.

Good luck with finding a doctor or clinic. You could try a low cost clinic.
As someone with occasional rashes un less you're sure it's just dry skin, I'd suggest quit using moisterizers. Oil sometimes makes it worse. Try Calamine and/or as Starrsville suggested Benadryl. Have you tried taking an oatmeal bath?

i have no idea what it is.

if i pay the doctor in cash, and get a recipet, can I be reimbursed by Health Canada?

I'm from BC.

While in Italy last year we had a Dr visit my husband at the hotel. He gave us a receipt for 150 euros and we claimed it against our insurance. No problem. I would think you need to do the same.

Why not start with going to a pharmacist at the drug store? If it is something such as sea lice, as mentioned above, likely it is common to the area and they would know just by your description what to prescribe or whether you need to see the doctor.

Can't you call your doctor at home and ask about reimbursement? Seems that would be a more reliable method than asking on a message board. But do try the pharmacy first.

Amazing what folks will do to avoid paying $60.-$100.US to see a physician for a potentially serious condition.
M

They are sure a lot kinder to you here than on lonley planet.

Check your clothing. If you are wearing snug fitting jeans, the dye may be causing an itch, especially if you aren't able to put on a clean pair everyday. The dye from denim does cause an allergic reaction from time to time, even in an old well worn pair.

Also check and see if there is a seam rubbing the area. If so, about all you can do is wear looser, lighter pants.

For dry skin, the best bet in your situation would be plain Baby Oil. Be sure that it's not loaded with strange ingredients. Moisturizers might have stuff that can irritate a sensitive skin.

Sandy - As I mentioned in an earlier post BC Medical (not called Health Canada) will pay you the amount they would pay a BC doctor. I am sure that will be a lot less than you paid an American doctor but it is something. Have you always lived in BC? I am wondering because you said medical was free in Canada but you must be paying premiums. In the future when you travel you should buy travel medical insurance. If you are young and do not have any major medical problems it is very very inexpensive. We are older and buy an annual policy that allows us to be away for up to 180 days at a time (and it is affordable) You can buy annual policies that allow varying number of days away at a time so if you come and go for shorter periods you are always covered at a lesser cost. Or you can buy coverage for a specific trip and number of days. I think that if you can't afford insurance you can't afford to travel certainly into the States. Good luck and I hope you get your problem resolved - but just remember next time it could be much more serious and without insurance you could really be in trouble. Sorry for the lecture but it is so important to have the peace of mind should you need medical attention.

You seem to post fairly frequently here and on Lonely Planet about controversial issues- cheap flights from Cuba, hitchhiking, now expensive medical care.

Either you are a troll, or you are a poorly prepared traveller.

sandy has been posting fairly frequently here and it would appear she has been traveling four or five months now, down the coast of California, through Mexico, into the Caribbean perhaps (was looking to go to Cuba, but we never got a report -- in fact we never seem to get reports, just questions), and has been in Miami for at least 10 days now.

The only reason I bring this up is that sandy, when away for so long, you were well aware of the risk of some medical emergency coming up. I think you would be wise to cough up the funds somehow and get to a REAL doctor. You've been traveling to foreign lands and tropical regions. There are a number of things this rash could be and I suggest you get it taken care of promptly and properly! It is quite possible that if this goes unchecked it could end up costing you a whole lot more than $60-100, and I don't just mean "cost you" in terms of money.

By the way, if you do see a doctor, plead "poor" regarding a prescription and possibly he will be able to give you free "samples".

I'm curious. How do you know it is not contagious?