I just wanted to know, based on cost and effectiveness which I should do. I don't have insurance but I have a primary that I haven't seen in 3 years, when I was insured. I have a mass in/on/around my knee, I'm assuming the first step would be an x-ray, should I go to my primary or an urgent care? Thank you for you time as I know it is valuable!

Urgent care will most likely be much more expensive than your primary. Many primaries these days offer a discount to those without insurance who pay in cash. Call your primary to see if they offer this discount.

I think that seeing your primary first still would be the way to go for long term and follow up treatments, as far as expenses go, as opposed to the more expensive urgent care clinics.

Primary doctors have little to do with the billing practices of any doctors or specialists that they refer you to, so be ready to negotiate with MANY doctors.

Does your primary do x-rays, some do. Or where do they send you, If they send you to the hospital, then urgent care may be a good choice.

If you are paying out of pocket, you can ask for discounts