Sprained or Broken Ankle Cost

• Without health insurance, diagnosis and non-surgical treatment for a sprained or broken ankle typically costs less than $500 for a mild to moderate sprain and up to $2,500 or more for a fracture requiring a cast. An ankle X-ray can cost an average of $180, according to NewChoiceHealth.com, but some radiology centers charge $1,000 or more. Non-surgical treatment of a sprain that involves wrapping the ankle costs about $128, while application of a short leg cast costs about $238, not including the doctor fee, according to 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 an office visit plus $250 to $950 for treatment, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates.
• Without health insurance, diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broken ankle typically costs just under $11,000 to $20,000 or more. For example, surgery for a fractured ankle costs between $9,719 and $17,634, not including the doctor fee, according to a cost calculator from Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. And a typical doctor fee for surgical treatment of a fracture could reach $2,000 or more, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates.
• Treatment for a sprained or broken ankle generally will be covered by health insurance. Typical expenses for a patient with insurance can include an X-ray copay, an office visit copay and coinsurance of 30 percent or more for the procedure. The total could range from $100 for a mild sprain to thousands of dollars, or the yearly out-of-pocket maximum for surgery.

• Ankle sprains often can be treated with a brace and compression wrap, ice, rest, elevation and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to WebMD.
• For non-surgical treatment of ankle fractures, a doctor usually applies a brace or short leg cast, and might order follow-up X-rays to make sure the bone is staying in place during healing.
• For surgical treatment of ankle fractures, the doctor places wires, screws or other hardware to hold the bones in place during healing; the exact treatment depends on the type and severity of fracture. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons outlines the typical treatment for various types of ankle fractures.

• 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.
• Crutches cost about $15 to $40 for a basic pair or up to $100 or more for deluxe forearm crutches.
• Physical therapy might be necessary for regaining strength and balance. Several sessions per week at $50 to $75 per hour for six to eight weeks could cost $1,000 or more.
• 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.

• Some orthopedic specialists offer discounts for uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, the Southern California Orthopedic Institute offers discounted services for cash-paying patients, and the Northwest Community Hospital Orthopedic Services Center, in Chicago, offers discounts for prompt payment.
• Some free clinics, such as the Community Health Free Clinic in Chicago, offer orthopedic specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a directory of federally funded health centers; if the nearest clinic doesn't offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.

• A general practitioner can refer the patient to a specialist. Or, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers an orthopedic surgeon finder by city, state or zip code. Sports-related injuries can be treated by a sports medicine specialist, who could be either a family physician or an orthopedic surgeon; the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine has a doctor finder.

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