 | With Insurance: Copays & Coinsurance up to Out of Pocket Maximum |
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 | Non-surgical Treatment: up to $2,500+ |
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 | Surgical Treatment: $16,000+ |
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| Typical costs: | - Without health insurance, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment for a broken arm typically costs up to $2,500 or more. For example, a forearm X-ray costs an average of $190, according to NewChoiceHealth.com, but some radiology centers charge $1,000 or more. And application of an arm splint costs $201 to $239, or application of a forearm or upper arm cast costs $228 to $242 not including the doctor fee at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. A typical doctor fee for non-surgical treatment of a fracture would include $90 to $200 for the office visit and from $250 to $950 for treatment, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates. According to the Minnesota Council of Health Plans, non-surgical treatment for a broken arm typically costs about $2,523.
- Without health insurance, surgical treatment of a broken arm typically costs $16,000 or more. For example, surgical treatment of a fracture of the humerus (upper arm bone) costs about $14,911, not including the surgeon fee, at Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis, Tennessee. A typical surgeon fee for surgical treatment of a fracture could reach $2,000 or more, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates.
- A broken arm typically would be covered by health insurance. With health insurance, costs could include doctor visit copays and coinsurance of 30 percent or more for treatment, which could total thousands of dollars or the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
What should be included: | - For a simple break confirmed by an X-ray, the doctor would properly position the broken bones (called a "reduction") if necessary, then place a cast on the arm to allow it to heal properly.
- For a more complicated break, the doctor would make an incision and implant wires, screws or other hardware to hold the bones in place during healing.
- The Mayo Clinic has a primer on broken arms.
Additional costs: | - Going to an emergency room for initial treatment could add $1,000 to $2,000 or more to the final bill; costs would include an emergency room visit fee, an emergency room doctor fee and the cost of a temporary cast such as an air cast; the patient would then need to seek treatment from a specialist.
- For patients who have a broken bone treated surgically, metal hardware usually can be left in, unless it causes irritation in the future; if removal is required, it can cost between about $2,533 and $11,710 or more, according to Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Discounts: | |
Shopping for a broken arm: | - A general practitioner can refer the patient to a specialist. Or, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery posts an orthopedic surgeon finder by city, state or zip code. Or, seek treatment from a doctor who specializes in sports medicine, which could be either a family physician or an orthopedic surgeon; the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine provides a doctor finder.
- If surgery is required, risks include: reaction to anesthesia, infection, blood clots, reaction to hardware and even death.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated September 2010 |
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