A finger fracture can be a major injury, and symptoms can include severe pain, swelling and difficulty moving the finger. Treatment can range from non-invasive taping to very invasive surgery with hardware. It is important to seek immediate treatment for a dislocated or broken finger because improper healing can cause long-term stiffness, pain and problems with hand function.
Typical costs:
Without health insurance, diagnosis and treatment for a broken or dislocated finger typically includes the cost of the X-ray, a facility fee and a doctor fee for a typical total of less than $1,000 for non-surgical treatment up to $5,000 or more for surgical treatment. A finger X-ray costs an average of $100, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[1] , but some providers charge $1,000 or more. Non-surgical treatment of a finger dislocation or fracture costs $360 to $479, not including the doctor fee, while surgical treatment costs about $2,700 to $3,400, not including the doctor fee, according to Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[2] in Lincoln, NE. A typical doctor fee for non-surgical treatment of a fracture would include $90 to $200 for an office visit and could also include $250 to $950 for a procedure, such as realignment, or $2,000 or more for surgery, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates[3] .
Treatment for a broken or dislocated finger is typically covered by health insurance. Costs for a patient with insurance would typically include an X-ray copay, an office visit copay and coinsurance of 10% to 30% or more for the procedure. The cost could reach $1,000 or more if surgery is required.
For a dislocated finger, the doctor probably will use local anesthesia, physically manipulate the finger to realign the joints, and apply a splint. eMedicineHealth.com[4] has an overview of treatment for a dislocated finger.
The doctor usually can realign the bones, then apply a splint or cast that will stay in place for at least three weeks. For certain severe breaks, a surgeon will have to insert pins, screws or other hardware to hold the bones in place, and general anesthesia might be required. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[5] offers a primer on broken fingers.
Additional costs:
Going to an emergency room for initial treatment could add a $500 emergency room visit fee to the final bill.
An ambulance ride could cost $500 or more. For example, Montgomery County, MD,[6] charges $300 to $800, depending on care provided, plus $7.50 per mile.
Physical therapy might be required, at $50 to $75 or more per session. For example, Akron General[7] offers a physical therapy price list.
Discounts:
Some hospitals and 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[8] , in Chicago, offers discounts for prompt payment.
Some clinics, such as the Community Health Free Clinic[9] in Chicago, offer orthopedic specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[10] offers a directory of federally funded health centers. These centers are open to anyone and fees are charged on a sliding scale based on federal poverty guidelines; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends contacting clinics directly for specific information on their discount policies. If nearest clinics do not offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.
Shopping for a broken or dislocated finger:
An orthopedic surgeon or a hand surgeon -- who could be an orthopedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon or a general surgeon -- should be consulted for a broken finger. However, a sports medicine doctor also could treat a broken or dislocated finger. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery[11] offers an orthopedic specialist finder by city, state or zip code. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand[12] offers a surgeon locator, but it is important to verify that the doctor is board-certified in either orthopedic (The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery[13] ), plastic (The American Board of Plastic Surgery[14] ) or general (The American Board of Surgery[15] ) surgery. The American Osteopathic Academy of Sports Medicine offers a doctor locator.
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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went to Sonoma Valley Hospital ER. It took 5 minutes to admit me as the place was completely empty. Went into a room where a nice nurse wrapped a blood pressure cuff on my arm. While checking my BP a doctor came in, asked what happened. While listening she lifted my hand and began manipulation asking if I wanted anesthesia. Before I could answer she put it back in place. I declined X-ray. 5 minute check in 2 minute room/fix and left. 30 days later received bill giving me 3-4 day due date.
Type of Treatment: X-ray of the hand, skull in two projecti
Medical Center: Polyclinic 60 St. Petersburg Russia, tra
Insurance: compulsory health insurance
I only paid for the fixation bandage. It ended with them. This time there was no ambulance. Last time with a concussion I was taken away in an ambulance
Had a grinder wheel break and break my index finger in two. Includes 2 sets of stitches and ER visit. Needed surgery( 3 pins put in my finger). Still have a couple visits to go, one to remove the pins. Also may need physical therapy because my knuckle is stiff from being in a splint for 4 weeks. Also don't have feeling in finger still.
Type of Treatment: splint for non dislocated fracture
Medical Center: OU Medical Center
Insurance: United
My son fractured a finger (again lol) playing basketball on a holiday weekend. I usually go the the Doc in a Box however due to the holiday they did not have anyone there to do the x-ray. Referred to a new facility that was staffed. Total time in facility 20 Minutes..X-ray..yep it's broken... splint.. taped and sent on our way. Having an athletic son we have had to tend to many broken this and thats. NONE CAME ANYWHERE CLOSE IN EXPENSE TO THIS ONE! This facility has great medical service but their billing department could screw up a 2 car funeral! OUTRAGEOUS Amount for a 20 minute visit for an ordinary fracture.
intial doctor visit ,two x-rays on foot
local anesthesia,physically manipulate the toe to realign the joints, and apply a splint.
two more x-rays on foot to see if properly done
medicine for pain and fever
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