Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Medical Specialties & Departments > Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost


How Much Does Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost?

 
average costWith Health Insurance: 10%-50% Coinsurancehigh costWithout Health Insurance: $300 or Less

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, occur more frequently in women and usually are caused by e.coli bacteria that get into the urethra. When infection has spread from the urethra into the bladder, it also is known as cystitis or a bladder infection. A UTI usually is easily treated, but can spread to the kidneys, in which case hospitalization might be required. Symptoms of a UTI can include frequent urge to urinate, pain and burning in the bladder and fatigue.

Typical costs:

  • For patients covered by health insurance, costs typically consist of a doctor-visit copay, a lab copay and a prescription drug copay --totaling less than $100, depending on the insurance plan. If hospitalization is required, costs could include a hospital admission fee of $100 or more, as well as coinsurance of 10% to 50%, which could reach the out-of-pocket maximum. Urinary tract infection treatment is usually covered by health insurance.
  • For patients not covered by health insurance, treatment for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection typically costs less than $300 for a doctor visit, urine culture, antibiotics and an analgesic for pain. For example, at CVS MinuteClinic[1] , the exam fee for a UTI is $79-$89, but a primary care physician might charge $100 or more. The fee for the urine culture typically adds about $30-$45. The cost varies greatly depending on where a patient seeks treatment -- a clinic typically is the least expensive option, and treatment at a hospital emergency room can cost hundreds of dollars. For example, the Patient First Wellness Center[2] in Las Vegas charges $60, not including antibiotics and medication, and the Monroe Street Medical Clinic[3] in Washington state, charges $88. And, according to Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, an urgent care center visit for a UTI costs about $90, while a visit to an emergency room for the same problem costs about $465.
  • Antibiotics for a UTI typically range from less than $10 to $60 or more, depending on which antibiotic is prescribed and whether generic or name-brand is used. And an over-the-counter UTI analgesic costs about $10.
  • However, for a severe infection in which the kidneys have become involved and hospitalization is required costs can reach $20,000 or more. For example, at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[4] in Lincoln, NE, hospitalization for kidney and urinary tract infections can cost $5,700-$21,400, depending on the severity of the infection and length of stay. And at Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis, a urinary tract/kidney infection costs about $13,600- $21,800.
Related articles: Incontinence Treatment, Overactive Bladder Treatment, Kidney Stone Treatment, Cystoscopy

What should be included:
  • In order to diagnose a urinary tract infection, a doctor will need a mid-stream urine sample collected in a sterile container. Antibiotics commonly used to treat UTIs include: amoxicillin, doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Treatment usually lasts a week. The analgesic phenazopyridine, which can be purchased over-the counter, typically is recommended to be taken for one to two days, at the same time antibiotics are started, to relieve UTI pain. Common brand names are AZO and Uristat.
  • The National Institutes of Health has an overview[5] of urinary tract infections and treatment.
  • A UTI can travel through the ureters and cause a kidney infection. If the infection is severe, and/or if the patient is vomiting or dehydrated, this might require hospitalization for several days, with antibiotics administered by IV. The Mayo Clinic[6] offers information on kidney infections.
Additional costs:
  • Test strips[7] available for about $10 a box at any drug store are about 90% effective at detecting a UTI. A doctor will re-test in a lab to confirm the result.
Discounts:
  • Planned Parenthood[8] offers services on a sliding scale based on income. Or, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[9] offers a locator for clinics that provide discounted care on a sliding scale.
  • Both Target[10] and Walmart[11] offer $4 prescription programs for generic drugs, and both include antibiotics commonly prescribed for UTIs.
  • AZO[12] , which manufactures UTI urine test strips and over-the-counter UTI pain medication containing phenazopyridine, offers a $1 off online coupon.
  • If hospitalization is required, hospitals often offer discounts of up to 40%or more for uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children[13] offers a discount of 40% for uninsured patients if full payment is made within 30 days.
Shopping for urinary tract infection treatment:
  • A primary care physician, gynecologist, or a doctor at a clinic or urgent care center, can provide diagnosis, treatment or possible referral for a urinary tract infection. FindUrgentCare.com[14] offers an urgent care center locator by zip code.
  • The Mayo Clinic[15] offers a guide to preparing for a doctor's appointment for a kidney infection.
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.
 
post Post   Comments (22)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
UTI urgent care visit
Amount: $147.00
Posted by: nervouschomper in Jersey city, NJ.Posted: August 12th, 2022 08:08PM
Medical Center: Concentra urgent carePhysician:
Treatment: Antibiotics
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick. I have insurance so was surprised it cost this much for a visit that takes my insurance
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI
Amount: $175.00
Posted by: Ina in Londonderry, NH.Posted: March 19th, 2021 12:03PM
Medical Center: Urgent care facilityPhysician: Nurse practitioner
Treatment: Antibiotics
I was seen within 15 minutes. Diagnosed with UTI and given a prescription. I am not insured at the moment. I feel the cost was fair since I know the cost for care at the ER would have been a lot more.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI antibiotic
Amount: $175.50
Posted by: Brandi James in SURREY, Other.Posted: October 5th, 2020 05:10PM
Medical Center: Panorama clinicPhysician: Dr.Stravinsky
Treatment: Oral antibiotic
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI Cost
Amount: $7,678.42
Posted by: Ming in Celebration, FL.Posted: June 20th, 2019 07:06PM
Medical Center: Advent Health CelebrationPhysician: Rachel
Treatment: 5 hour UTI Visit
Originally went to an urgent care with symptoms of vomiting, nausea, and stomach issues. After speaking with the physician they told me I potentially have a stomach abcess and I need to go to the ER immediately. I go to the ER and wait in the lobby maybe 30 mins then I am taken to a room and vitals taken, etc. Physician comes in and asks questions and I bring up that the previous person I saw said I have a stomach abcess. They take a urine test and leave me in the room for at least an hour and then take me to get an ultrasound...In total my insurance covers $3,310.05 and I owe $3,597.46 I have not used my insurance in the 2 years I have been with my company and in 1 visit I am almost at my deductible of $4,000.....
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Scanwell Health
Amount: $30.00
Posted by: pvbl0nde in San Francisco, CA.Posted: March 8th, 2019 05:03PM
Medical Center: ScanwellPhysician: Dr. Jack Jeng
Treatment: antibiotics
I used Scanwell Health and was able to get treatment same day without leaving my house. I used their test kit and had a doctor read my results and send antibiotics to my pharmacy. will definitely use them again!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Urinalysis for UTI
Amount: $267.38
Posted by: AmericanPatient in Los Altos, CA, CA.Posted: February 7th, 2018 10:02AM
Medical Center: El Camino HospitalPhysician:
Treatment: none
Bill for urinalysis alone was $1,004.15. Insurance disallowed $736.77. This was lab fee only. Insurance paid $267.38
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Common UTI
Amount: $5,000.00
Posted by: Robin Whipple in Fortuna, CA.Posted: December 15th, 2017 01:12PM
Medical Center: Redwood Memorial HospitalPhysician: Dr. Tavernier
Treatment: Antiobiotics
I went to the hospital with UTI and was sent home after peeing in cup and 15 minutes. The doctor prescribed me the wrong medication and charged me separately $1500 and the hospital charged me $3,000 and I was not in there more than 15 minutes.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
go to cvs minute clinic
Amount: $82.00
Posted by: gothelpcheaply in Sanford, FL.Posted: December 4th, 2016 03:12PM
Treatment: antibiotics
It's a bit of a wait at the minute clinic but the doctor was nice and very understanding of the fact that I don't have health insurance. She kept the price down. Also if you have a publix in your area, use them for the antibiotic! They give out some type of antibiotics free of charge with a doctor's prescription.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Ripped off for ER visit for UTI
Amount: $3,488.51
Posted by: Denver woman in Denver, CO.Posted: July 26th, 2016 01:07AM
Treatment: Antibiotics
Went to the local ER with blood in urine, less than an hour in hospital & sent home with prescription for antibiotics. They initially billed me $3,889.58 for that visit. So they did was have me pee in a cup! They eventually reduced this bill to $1,038.52. Then after antibiotics were gone I went back because of pain. They did another pee test, it was negative, then did a CT Scan, found nothing & sent me home with an initial bill of $9,175.99 which was eventually reduced to $2,449.99. Total for UTI = $3,488.51 and this doesn't include what I paid for my antibiotics either!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI for men?!?
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: a user in Dallas, TX.Posted: July 22nd, 2015 11:07AM
Treatment: None for males
The Cvs minute clinic only treats females with UTI and has a policy against males being treated with UTI. Just and FYI that they won't treat a dude with possible UTI symptoms because it has other variables to consider and test (ie prostate cancer). Wasted a lot of time at minute clinic only to find that out.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
ER visit
Amount: $13,441.22
Posted by: Skit in Hoboken, NJ.Posted: June 18th, 2015 05:06PM
Medical Center: Hoboken University Medical CenterPhysician: j. Rimmer
Treatment: wrong antibiotics 2x
All the did was run some blood tests and a urine culture and the bill was 13,441.22!!! WTH!! They prescribed me antibiotics that were wrong. Then they called me 3 days later to tell me I neede a different prescription which also ended up being the wrong antibiotic. So I was on the wrong meds for over a week. I went to a Urologist and he told me both the previous prescriptions that the ER at HUMC prescribed were wrong and he gave me a new prescription. $13,441.22 for an ER visit??? REALLY!!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
uti
Amount: $36.00
Posted by: stiffany in aiken, SC.Posted: May 23rd, 2015 06:05AM
Treatment: antibiotics
I decided to go to CVC minute clinic my first time heared this clinic so Just about 15 To 30 min of waiting before she called me..she test my urine..and she prescribed me antibiotics...good thing i have medicaid... but if not $79 its not bad compare to er or private provider..and she was nice too.i only pay for meds. Ohh im glad i went there...im totally decided to go to er good thing somebody mentiom it about cvs
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Late Sunday night ER visit
Amount: $1,174.12
Posted by: weneedsinglepayer in St Johnsbury, VT.Posted: December 27th, 2014 12:12PM
Medical Center: NVRHPhysician:
Treatment: urinalysis, antibiotics
5 minute wait, less than an hour in the ER. Insurance paying $298.80. They actually expect me to pay $875.32!!!! WTF???? No effing way!!! I'm Australian and absolutely REFUSE to accept this as ok! This is why the rest of the world, where socialised health care is the norm, thinks the USA is just retarded!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
ER Visit
Amount: $1,175.64
Posted by: bcbscrewed in Fergus Falls, MN.Posted: October 26th, 2014 07:10AM
Medical Center: Lake Region,Physician: Ness
Treatment: antibiotics
Late night ER visit, 2 hour wait, less than 5 minutes with doctor. Insurance paying $554.94
Doctors fee was $260.15, ER was $498.80 of the $1175.64 total.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI treatment at private dr
Amount: $114.00
Posted by: kywoman in Sebastian, FL.Posted: July 23rd, 2014 11:07AM
Medical Center: Physician: x
Treatment: urine test
My primary physician ordered a urine test but took my word that I had a uti and prescribed Levoquin 500 mg because I am allergic to all other anitbiotics. The dr. copay was $50 with insurance and the prescription was $64 after insurance at Publix. Haven't gotten the lab bill yet. No wonder so many people go untreated
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Native American hospital
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: UTIs suck!!! in Enid, OK.Posted: January 20th, 2014 11:01PM
Treatment: Urinalysis, round of antibiotics.
Lived 45 minutes from Native American hospital. Had very bad symptoms for days. Decided I needed to see a doctor about it. Instead of going to local ER (Sunday, so only ER care is open), I decided to go to Claremore. (free health care for natives which includes me)so basically all I had to pay for was gas there and back. Free prescriptions too. I've also had my wisdom teeth pulled there free of charge.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI Expenses
Amount: $579.09
Posted by: Upset in Abilene in Abilene, TX.Posted: October 9th, 2013 02:10PM
Medical Center: Abilene RegionalPhysician:
Treatment: TEST ONLY
Went to our Dr. (had us walk in did not charge for visit)they sent us down to the lab for UA/culture - test alone was $804.28 insurance paid 225.19 balance was $579.09. Hospital should be ashamed!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Uti treatment cost
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Girl from Denton in Denton, TX.Posted: February 21st, 2013 10:02AM
Treatment: Short visit and urine test
I went to a hospital in Denton, TX with a UTI. These are common for me, but this one was bad so I had to resort to going to a nearby hospital instead of an urgent care center. I was there for about an hour and all they did was take a urine sample and give me a prescription. $500 after insurance. Ridiculous!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
UTI Treatment cost
Amount: $107.12
Posted by: Patient410 in Lawrenceville, GA.Posted: September 14th, 2012 10:09AM
Medical Center: Doctor office / labPhysician: Gyn
Treatment: Antibiotic
$20 copay for urine sample to Gyn, $85 for labs, free antibiotic @ Publix, $2.12 for analgesic.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
CVS Minute clinic
Amount: $108.00
Posted by: a user in Voorhees, NJ.Posted: June 28th, 2012 10:06PM
Medical Center: CVS Minute ClinicPhysician:
Treatment: Antibiotic and lots of water
Did not have insurance, so I decided to visit a Minute Clinic nearby home. They are quick and inexpensive, compared to ER visits, all in all, $104 was spent on visit and $4 on antibiotics. I highly reccommend going to the minute clinic for a non-serious UTI or bladder infection.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Amount: $397.22
Posted by: Ginger in Glenwood, MN.Posted: May 18th, 2012 03:05PM
Medical Center: Glacial Ridge Health SystemsPhysician: ?
Treatment: Short Visit/Antibiotic
We did not have insurance. We are going to contest these fees. They are a small town hospital/clinic -- if they want repeat business, fees should be lowered. Is there a comment section for arrogant doctor!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
ER visit
Amount: $1,135.00
Posted by: Richard Berg in Beaumont, CA.Posted: May 15th, 2012 12:05PM
Medical Center: Pass HospitalPhysician: Clark
Treatment: antibiotics.
My daughter was diagnosed with a simple uti at the er and after the insurance was denied we were charged $213.00 by the doctor and $922.00 by the hospital for a 1 hour visit.Probably should have went to urgent care!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 

Comment On Your Experience With Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Medical Center: Physician: 
Treatment:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  www.minuteclinic.com/services/minorillness/
  2.  www.patientfirstwellness.com/services.php
  3.  www.rienstraclinic.com/services/costs/
  4.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
  5.  kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/
  6.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-infection/DS00593
  7.  www.drugstore.com:80/search/search_results.asp?N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=...
  8.  www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/findCenter.asp
  9.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
  10.  www.target.com/pharmacy/main
  11.  www.walmart.com/cp/PI-4-Prescriptions/1078664
  12.  www.azoproducts.com/buy/coupon
  13.  www.kapiolani.org/women-and-children/my-hospital-bill/payment-policy-uninsured.aspx
  14.  www.findurgentcare.com/
  15.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-infection/DS00593/DSECTION=preparing-for-your-app...
More Health & Personal Care Topics
Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost? How Much Do Dentures Cost? How Much Does a Knee Brace Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

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