Ear ache and health care

My story started when I went swimming on Sunday and developed a ear infection by Thursday. Called around to my nearest neighborhood Urgent Care to get it checked out. The first Urgent Care charged $80 because I was an existing patient and the second charged $65 if I agreed to self pay instead of putting the bill through my insurer. By the way I have and excellent HSA health plan with a low premium but with a high deductible that I wish only to use for the serious critical illnesses or emergencies. The service at the $65 Urgent Care was excellent, professional and clean. The doctor checked my ear and found it to be infected and prescribed an antibiotic. I took the prescription to get filled and found the antibiotic brand name cost was $145 dollars. I objected about the price to the pharmacist who offered an equivalent generic available for $15 and offered to call the doctor to approve the prescription change to the generic. 30 minutes later, I had my generic prescription and on my way home. I appreciated the freedom of choice and ability to self direct my care even if it was a simple ear infection.