If you don't have a doctor yet, or you're worried about cost, a community health center is a good place to start.
What a health center is
The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) describes health centers as local clinics that are community-based and led in part by patients. They serve people who find it hard to get health care: HRSA says about 90% of health center patients have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level.
What it costs
Health centers adjust their fees based on income and family size (a sliding fee), and HRSA says they serve everyone, even people who cannot pay. Ask the center about fees when you call.
Finding one in Chicago
This site lists community health centers, primary care clinics, dental clinics and urgent care from the federal NPI registry and OpenStreetMap. Browse the doctors and clinics, dentists and urgent care pages, or look up your own neighborhood. HRSA also runs a national health center finder.
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.