Cost of doctor visit by state

What happens at a doctor's visit?

People go to the doctor for routine physical exams as well as acute care when they get sick or injured. Visits to the doctor are important for preventing disease and managing any health problems. During your doctor’s visit, the physician checks your blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. 

Your doctor may listen to your heart, check your ears, nose, and mouth, and perform a physical exam. They may also ask you about your medical history and the medications you take. Your doctor may want you to have blood drawn for laboratory testing during your doctor’s visit.

How long should a doctor’s visit last?

It’s common for your entire visit to the doctor to take a long time. From start to finish, your appointment may take well over an hour. Many patients sit in the waiting room before being called back for examination.

How long you’ll wait depends on your specific doctor’s office and how busy they are. Once you’re in the exam room, the visit with your doctor will go quickly. On average, patients spend about 20 minutes in the exam room with their doctor.

Why are doctor visits so expensive?

Doctor's visits are expensive for several reasons, including their offices’ administrative responsibilities and the cost of medical services. Your doctor’s office has to work with different insurance companies and pay administrative staff trained in medical billing. Your doctor charges for their services, lab work, or imaging they run and may charge facility fees as well.

How much does a doctor visit cost without insurance?

Without insurance, your doctor’s visit can cost hundreds of dollars. On average, people in the U.S. pay just under $400 for their annual physical exam at a doctor’s office if they don’t have insurance. These costs include the provider fee for seeing the doctor and costs for any blood work or imaging that’s needed.

What are the signs of a bad doctor?

Know the warning signs of a bad doctor so you can avoid problems and get better medical care. One sign is if your doctor doesn’t listen to you or take your concerns into account during your visit. Another is if your doctor rushes through your appointment, not giving you the time needed to deal with your concerns.

A third warning sign is if your doctor doesn’t explain why certain tests or treatments are needed in a way you can understand.

What should you not tell your doctor?

Your doctor doesn’t need to know every detail about your life to provide proper care. But they do need you to be truthful about your health. You should never lie about the symptoms you’re experiencing or the medications you’re taking. If you aren’t taking medications as prescribed, your doctor needs to know. You don’t need to tell them health details they already know or give them any of your financial information.