Ear Infection Cost

Typical costs:

• A doctor's visit, which is always recommended if the patient has ear pain, costs between $25 and $250 for those without insurance, depending upon the clinic and the region of the country. Copays for office visits range between $5 and $75, depending upon the insurance company. The average insured individual in the U.S. has a $19 office visit copay.
• Antibiotics are typically prescribed for patients with a bacterial ear infection. These usually cost between $20 and $110 for seven days worth of treatment. One of the most common antibiotics prescribed for ear infection, Amoxicillin[1] , costs between $20 and $70 for those without insurance. For patients with insurance typical copay rates apply, ranging from $5 to $50.
• Some doctors recommend placing tubes in the ears of children with reoccurring ear infections. This procedure, which is typically an outpatient procedure, costs between $2,000 and $3,000 for people without insurance. People with insurance will pay typical copays and deductibles. Copays can range between $5 and $50. The average deductible ranges from $500 to $2,000.
• Homeopathic remedies for ear pain may also be recommended by a physician. These remedies, which do not cure a bacterial infection but may relieve pain and swelling, cost between $5 and $7 for Nutribiotic[2] ear drops and more than $35 for other homeopathic ear drop brands.

• A doctor's visit for ear infection will include an examination of both ears, using an otoscope. An otoscope allows the doctor to see deep into the middle ear. The doctor will likely take the patient's temperature to determine if the ear infection has caused a fever. The visit may also include a tympanogram, which is a tool that measures inner ear pressure.
• Antibiotics should include the medication, dosage information, packaging and drug information. Patients should also have access to a pharmacist, so they can discuss any questions or concerns.
• Surgery to insert tubes in a child's ears is generally done as an outpatient procedure, and no overnight stay is typically required. Small plastic tubes are inserted into the ears while the patient is under general anesthesia. Antibiotics are usually given to the patient to reduce the risk of ear infection after the procedure.

• If a patient's primary care provider is unavailable, the patient may seek treatment at an urgent care or emergency room. The national average charge for an urgent care visit regarding ear pain is $100. The average charge in an emergency room is $160.

• :
• Patients should start by visiting a physician, either in a primary practice, urgent care or emergency room clinic. The physician will examine the ears to figure out if an infection is present. Ask if the doctor believes the infection is viral or bacterial.
• If the infection is bacterial, it can only be treated with antibiotics. Be sure to talk to a physician or pharmacist about any potential side effects, drug allergies and drug interactions. EmedTV[3] has a host of information available regarding ear infection antibiotics.
• If the doctor believes the ear infection is viral, it just needs to run its course.
• Homeopathic remedies, which are available at pharmacies and health food stores, do not treat a bacterial ear infection but drops can relieve pain associated with a viral ear infection. Talk to a physician before using these products, especially if the ear infection is bacterial. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has a list of homeopathic remedies[4] that can be used to treat earache.
• Ear tubes are sometimes recommended for children with chronic ear infections. Doctors say that the ear tubes help relieve the pressure, pain and possibly the cause of the chronic ear infections. However, there are risks associated with the procedure, including general anesthesia and possible hearing loss. Kids Health has more information about ear tube surgery.[5]

1.  www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-3295-AMOXICILLIN+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=1531&drugname=Amoxici...
2.  www.nutribiotic.com/ear-drops.html
3.  ear.emedtv.com/ear-infection/antibiotics-for-ear-infections.html
4.  icpa4kids.org/HPA-Articles/homeopathic-treatment-of-earaches.html
5.  kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/ear_infections.html

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Do Crutches Cost?		How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?		How Much Do Botox Treatments Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Make sure your gutters are clean before they start to fill up again this fall. Are you planning a Labor Day picnic? Need a new charcoal grill? Pruning trees before the storm season can help ensure dead branches won't imperil your home. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The late August sun can leave a mark. Check out sunburn treatment options.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more] -nervouschomper Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more] -Gregory Richardson Interpreter Cost Dat Paid: 495.00 This is how much I am paying... [more] -Calista Christian Dental Admission Test Cost Shingrix Paid: 48.00 ... [more] -Not that BB Shingles Vaccine Cost Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more] -D’s mom Allergy Testing Cost Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat Paid: 0.00 13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more] -Terrimarie Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost