medical costs

Some medical tests, such as MRIs done early for uncomplicated low back pain and routine vitamin D tests "just to be thorough," are considered "low-value care" and can lead to further testing that can cost patients thousands of dollars. ER Productions Limited/Getty Images hide caption

Sure, you can shoot your doctor an email, or hit the urgent care clinic when you have a sore throat. But those convenient alternatives may be less likely than regular visits to a primary provider to catch symptoms that ebb and flow, yet might signal a larger health problem. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

The total bill for Drew Calver's four-day hospital stay at St. David's Medical Center in April 2017 was $164,941. His insurer paid $55,840, leaving Calver responsible for the unpaid balance of $108,951.31. Callie Richmond/KHN hide caption

Wren Vetens fought to get her gender confirmation surgery covered after the Group Insurance Board's initial decision left her without insurance coverage. Lauren Justice for KHN hide caption