I’m a 22M in Oakland, California, and I recently sprained my ankle while hooping. I want to get it checked out and get an X-ray, but I don’t have health insurance anymore. I used to have Kaiser, but that’s not an option now.
I’ve tried going to a few places for an X-ray, but they all asked for a doctor’s referral, which I can’t get without insurance. What can I do to get my ankle checked out without paying a fortune? Is there a good spot around Oakland that does X-rays for cash or has a sliding scale for payment?
Try urgent care, community health centers, or free clinics for affordable X-rays.Some places offer cash or sliding scale payments. Consider short-term health insurance if needed.
Just ice it @MegWhitgal A sprain doesn’t usually require an X-ray since it wouldn’t show. You can have some OTC painkillers and ice the ankle as you monitor it. In case the pain increases and the swelling doesn’t go down, then you should find a federal health centre, their rates should be cheaper.
Simply look up the closest health center near you that’s funded by the government. These places adjust their prices based on how much money you make. You are likely to get much help if you walk into one. All the best.