the Cost of Emergency Room Visits for Injuries

When I was bikeriding and hit a pothole, I ended up going to the emergency room in an ambulance and later found out that I had broken my collarbone. At the emergency room, it was not too crowded but I still had to wait while they worked on patients with more critical or threatening injuries. Eventually, I was seen by a nurse and two doctors, had x-rays taken from three different angles, and received some pain medication. Due to the location of the break, it was not eligible for a cast, so I was provided with a stiff sling to wear to keep my arm and shoulder from moving and causing more damage. I was in the emergency room for about 2.5 hours and the total cost of $867 covered the charge for the initial exam ($300), the x-rays ($440), sling ($40) and medicine ($87).

The service was standard emergency room treatment, meaning that I spent a lot of time waiting to be seen, waiting to take the x-rays and get the results, waiting to get my instructions and be discharged. The doctors did good work and my collarbone eventually healed without any scarring or complications, but going to the emergency room is always frustrating and expensive. I was actually pretty happy that the cost was not higher than it was and I was satisfied that they did not overcharge me for the visit.

If you are able to, keep a close watch on what you are being given and told; sometimes you can save some money by refusing things like a blanket or food if you don't need it. Also, look carefully at the final bill when it arrives a few months later and don't be afraid to at least question any items that you don't recognize or understand.