I have no insurance and little money. I have had an upper respiratory infection

[Dosey]

I have had an upper respiratory infection for 4 1/2 weeks. I have no insurance and 2 elementary age kids. Does anybody know where I can go to seek medical attention and get on antibiotics. A clinic or something in the Englewood, Littleton, Colorado area? I am getting desperate.

[National Jewish]

You could try the MCPN clinics. They provide free or reduced-fee care to your area. Also, you could call financial counseling at National Jewish Medical and Research Center to ask about financial aid. You may qualify to be seen here under CICP. Since you are in the Denver Metro area and this is a respiratory problem, this may be your best option. Since they are a very busy center you may not get in as quickly as you would at an urgent care or local center such as an MCPN clinic. You can always call local emergency rooms and ask if they provide indigent care for your area.

[Dosey]

Thank you so much for your help. I in the end called my old Dr.'s office. (I am recently divorced and therefore lost my health insurance since it was done thru him) I don't have insurance on my own because I was a stay at home mom for the last approx 10 years. I'm working now, so we'll see.
When I called the office they told me they would not turn me down because of a lack of insurance. I went in yesterday and not only did they give me the samples for the antibiotics but also gave me a sample steriod inhaler and gave me the visit for free. I am so grateful and humbled by their generousity. But also the NP called me today to ask how I was. She was shocked at the extent of the wheezing my chest had. This is one of many things I am thankful for just before Thanksgiving.

[starion]

Thanks for the update.  I have heard of other patients who have lost insurance and gotten care at reduced rates from their old docs, as well as free sample meds.  It's wonderful that your doc was wiling to completely waive your fee and give you with free samples.  It's also great that the NP called to follow-up.

Be sure to go back if you don't get better soon, because a follow up doctor visit will be MUCH cheaper than a hospitalization.  Sometimes you may need a longer course of antibiotics and/or a different one to fully knock out the infection.  

Starion