Damn, this was in-network, so I don't understand what the fuss is all about in my case... This accurately describes my attitude. =/It's no surprise that I know scores of people in their twenties and thirties who forego medical attention because they don't want to deal with that shit.
I have dealt with a lot of injuries in my life. It's pretty natural for a guy who spends as much time playing hockey as I do. In fact just last night I was dumb enough to grab a puck out of mid air and sprained a finger (possibly broken, but I highly doubt it). As such, I've been to the doctor enough times to know that if something hurts (a knee, e.g.) it's normally not worth a doctor visit. The most likely thing is that they're going to tell you to take motrin and rest. Unless you think something is seriously broken and needs surgery, I'd stay away.
Too late, scheduled already, but I wanted to talk to them about back (> 1 yr) pain as well. I suspect I just have weak tendons, as I've had wrist, ankle, and knee injuries in the past year. The struggle of being tall and lanky. =/Unless you think something is seriously broken and needs surgery, I'd stay away.