It's estimated that one in five visits to the emergency room is for a non-urgent condition. People who go to the ER for non-emergencies are often hoping to get immediate relief and don't want to wait and make an appointment with their doctors. Sometimes it's no fault of their own. Many people are not sure when it's appropriate to go the ER or when to see their doctor.

But improper use of emergency rooms drives up the cost of health care for us all. That's because an ER visit costs an average of six times more than a visit to your personal care physician. For example, the average visit to the ER costs $638. Compare that to the $60 average cost to visit a doctor's office. That's a big difference. Those costs eventually trickle down to the cost of your health plan.

If the reason for going to the emergency room is not urgent, the service may not be covered by your health plan. Or if it is a payable benefit, your copayment may be higher compared to a visit to your doctor.

In addition, ER misuse delays care for others with true emergencies. Emergency rooms are already overcrowded and sometimes short-staffed. This trend is expected to continue as more baby boomers age and use more health care services.

Also, it may be more beneficial to see your doctor for non-urgent care. Your doctor knows your medical history and special needs better and, therefore, can give you better care. If you don't already have a personal care physician, find one and establish an ongoing relationship. It's important that your doctor can see you on short notice or answer your questions over the phone. Don't wait until you're seriously ill to start looking for a doctor.

Your physician can also help you decide when to use the emergency room. But keep in mind, it is difficult for a doctor or nurse to give accurate advice over the phone unless they are personally familiar with your medical condition.

Oftentimes a cold or flu can be treated with over-the-counter medication, lots of rest, and fluids. But if you're in pain and need immediate care, use common sense. Don't hesitate to go to the ER. Here are some examples of when you should go to the emergency room:

• Chest pain (possibly a heart attack).
  
• Breathing difficulties that don't improve.
  
• Sudden numbness, weakness, disorientation or difficulty speaking (possible signs of a stroke).
  
• Severe abdominal pain, especially if you have a fever.
  
• Sudden severe headache without a history of migraine headaches.
  
• Severe bleeding or a deep wound (may require stitches).
  
• Broken bones.

Be a smart health care consumer. Learn when it is appropriate to go to the emergency room. You'll provide yourself with better care and save money.