Broken Sternum Cost

• Without insurance, the typical cost for diagnosis and treatment of a broken sternum (breastbone) could range from less than $500 for a simple sternal fracture that does not require hospital admission up to $8,000 or more if other injuries, such as heart or lung injuries, are suspected and hospitalization is required. A breastbone X-ray costs an average of $210, according to NewChoiceHealth.com^[1] , though some radiology centers charge $1,000 or more. And a typical doctor fee for an office visit for a fracture costs $90 to $200, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates^[2] . Several auto accident claims sites offer examples of medical costs^[3] for a broken sternum requiring hospitalization^[4] .
• Health insurance generally would cover a broken sternum, and, if the injury was caused by an auto accident, which is common, car insurance also might cover some costs, depending on the policy. With health insurance, typical expenses include a doctor visit copay of $10 to $30 or more, drug copays for pain medication and, if hospitalization is required, coinsurance of 30 percent or more that could add up to thousands of dollars or the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

• The doctor typically will check for associated injuries, if necessary, and administer pain medication as needed; splinting and taping is not advised for sternal fractures. It is extremely rare that a broken sternum would be treated surgically. When no other injuries are present, a broken sternum can be treated on an outpatient basis. Typically, several weeks off from work -- months for physically strenuous jobs -- is required.
• eMedicine.com^[5] offers an overview of treatment for a broken sternum.

• Because up to 90 percent of sternal fractures are caused by auto accidents, there could be additional costs for being transported by ambulance, as well as emergency room fees and ER doctor fees. This could add thousands of dollars to the final bill, especially if there are other injuries.

• Some orthopedic specialists offer discounts for uninsured/cash paying patients. For example, Southern California Orthopedic Institute offers discounted services for cash-paying patients, and Northwest Community Hospital Orthopedic Services Center^[6] , in Chicago, offers discounts for prompt payment.
• Some free clinics, such as Community Health Free Clinic^[7] in Chicago, offer orthopedic specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services^[8] 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^[9] offers an orthopedic surgeon finder by city, state or zip code. For a sports injury, the patient could seek treatment from a sports medicine specialist, which could be either a family physician or an orthopedic surgeon; the American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine has a doctor finder.

1.  newchoicehealth.com/Directory/Procedure/78/Breastbone%20X-Ray
2.  www.c-osa.com/charges.htm
3.  en.allexperts.com/q/Auto-Insurance-Claims-2055/pain-suffering-payment.htm
4.  www.carcrashassist.com/female-has-fracture-sternum-with-a-lot-of-pain/
5.  emedicine.medscape.com/article/826169-treatment
6.  www.nch.org/medical-services/orthopedic-services/index.php
7.  www.communityhfc.org/referals.htm
8.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
9.  www.abos.org/find-a-certified-orthopaedic-surgeon.aspx

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does an MRI Cost?		How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost?		How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

After eating all that candy, is it time to see your dentist? Repair leaks before the rain starts pouring. It's a good idea to have the furnace checked in the fall, before you need it. Fall begins Monday, September 23. How about backpacking? Fall begins Monday, September 23. How about backpacking?

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

Er kidney stone treatment Paid: 17834.00 Very expensive for four hours and no intervention other than pain meds and fluids pushed through iv... [more] -Kattarina Kidney Stone Treatment Cost bone marrow biopsy Paid: 25186.50 This was the bill for a 30 minute procedure that was done by a nurse not an MD. to read the biopsy the charge (in the bill ) was 12,600.this is crazy!I am a Veterinarian and I would have charged -MAX 3000.00 total to the pet parent... [more] -Kevin Schultz Biopsy Cost 22Kw Generac Paid: 8300.00 Ok deal. I was replacing a old 16kw that went bad. They were able to use my old transfer switch, Cement pad, Etc. it runs on natural gas... [more] -Teckonesol Standby Generator Cost Propane Paid: 1.45 I had a $50.00 weekly auto payment set up for my LP to get ahead and bank up a large sum so I could get on Pre-Pay Plan; which Locks In summer prices, through the winter season until your prepay is used up... [more] - Propane Cost #3 Cylinder Ignition coil replaced Paid: 408.00 Traced issue to #3 cylinder ignition coil. Replaced the ignition coil pack... [more] -Prem Ignition Coil Replacement Cost Alternator Paid: 830.00 V6 Camry XLE. New part and labot.Costco Wholesale Recommended Shop. Quality Auto Center in Roselle, N.J. Good Luck,First get costco recommendation coupon. My assumption price is somewhat market fot area... [more] -Fabian Alternator Cost