Should I go to the ER to get my rabies vaccine, or a pharmacy?

Hi, I'm new to the US and really confused about the health system here. Would really appreciate to get some help from you wise American redditors…

Backstory: I was bit by an unknown dog whilst jogging in Pittsburgh, PA on February 16th, and then I naturally went to the local ER, UPMC Magee hospital, for rabies shots. With rabies, you have to get 4 shots: one on the day of explosure, then on the 3rd day after, 7th day after and finally 14th day after (which is today). My bill came at $1,150 (incluiding subsequent shots), which is pretty mild here in the US from what I gather (my UPMC health insurance saved me – it provides huge in-network discounts in the Pittsburgh area, but has a high $1,500 deductible and 30% copay after that).

While I've gotten the first three in Pittsburgh, I'm now visiting my girlfriend in Celebration, Florida (Orlando area) . For my 4th and final shot, which is due today, my UPMC health insurance scheme is telling me to go to the local AdventHealth hospital ER. However, I googled this hospital system “AdventHealth” and their billing practises are outrageous! They overcharge per routine, it seems. After speaking with them on the phone, I'm almost 100% certain that if I were to go to their ER, they'd not only register me as an ER patient (which is totally unnecessary as I only need a vaccine), but would also try to bill the crap out of me. I started looking, and found out that the local walgreens & CVSs also do Rabies shots for $450/dose, albeit this wouldn't be covered by insurance.

So my question is: Should I do what my insurance provider says and got to the ER, and then throw a dice on what bill I pay, or should I just go to a pharmacy and get my shot? What do you wisely suggest?

Thank you very much and I apologise for my long-winded post!!

submitted by /u/qudot4
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