Instead of going to the ER, you can run to the nearest all-night pharmacy. Better yet, depending on the issue and the age of your child, you might want to try an online clinic for a prescription. A nurse can immediately assess the situation and tell you whether you should take your child in, or give you home remedies that will help get her through the night until she can see a doctor. Most health insurance plans and many clinics have one. and the ER is the only place that’s open? I’d still suggest calling a 24/7 nurse advice line first. That’s why a call to your health plan’s nurse line, or a visit to an urgent care doctor or your primary physician makes more sense (and is a lot cheaper) for this situation. Of course, you’ll be glad it’s there when you really need it, but fancy equipment isn’t going to help an earache go away faster. Not only that, but ER’s are built for emergencies – special equipment, bigger rooms, doctors with specialized training – expenses that all add up. People with serious injuries or illnesses are admitted before you, meaning you’ll wait longer to be seen by a doctor. But if it’s not a life-threatening emergency you do have a few options that will probably save you both time and money.Ī hospital ER sounds really fast, right? But if you’ve been there for something minor it can seem like forever before you get treated. Of course, when someone is in pain all you can think about is finding help fast.