Article courtesy of Payne Financial Group's Live Well, Work Well newsletter, August 2011 issue.

Have you ever been to the emergency room (ER) for a sore throat or sprained ankle? Though it is tempting to seek immediate care for an illness or injury, you could save a lot of money by choosing your facility more wisely.

A trip to the ER is far more expensive than a visit to your primary doctor or urgent care - and yet, a study by the Commonwealth Fund found that 21 percent of ER visits are avoidable. Steering clear of unnecessary ER visits can save you hundreds of dollars each time you are sick or injured.

Do visit the ER when immediate attention is required, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, broken bones, severe burns or bleeding, shock, poisoning or seizures.

For conditions such as ear infections, vomiting, fever less than 102 degrees F, sprains and strains, upper respiratory infections and headaches, opt for an urgent care facility or your primary doctor instead. In addition to saving money, these options can mean less waiting - a patient with a nonemergency in the ER may wait an hour or more to be seen.