[tryingagainbro]

I was very ill in Barcelona and was told by relatives there wasn't a point in going to the hospital unless I wanted a 6 hour wait for ibuprofen.

Same in USA, unless you still have a knife stuck in your chest. IN USA, that ibuprofen might cost you $250, along with the $XXXX for the doctor's visit. Maybe I'm exaggerating with $250, but having some outrageous bills, I wouldn't be surprised if they bill you separately for the pill AND for opening the bottle and getting one for you.

https://www.google.com/search?q=emergency+room+visit+cost

[travmatt]

Yea the situation in America is different - they'll charge you thousands of dollars for tissues after your hours long wait time.

[tryingagainbro]

https://www.vox.com/2016/5/13/11606760/emergency-facility-fe... "Colette turned out to be completely fine. A doctor ran her finger under the tap, stuck a Band-Aid on her pinky, and sent the family home.

A week later, something else showed up at home: a $629 hospital bill for the Band-Aid and its placement on Colette's finger."

[bluedino]

I'd charge someone the same if they required immediate service for something silly. People in the USA will go to the ER for the common cold

[rileymat2]

This attitude silly, it is not always obvious to non-doctors what is an issue. For instance my 2 year old son got his finger caught in a reclining chair, it looked terrible but there was no real issue.

I am sure the opposite may apply to head injuries.