Without health insurance, diagnosis and treatment for a broken tailbone (coccyx fracture) typically costs less than $700 because little can be done medically. A tailbone X-ray costs about $250 on average, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[1] , though some radiology centers charge $1,000 or more. And the average cost of treatment of a tailbone fracture is about $184, not counting the doctor's fee, according to Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical fee Center[2] in Lincoln, Nebraska. A typical office visit doctor fee for a fracture would be $90 to $200, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates[3] . A coccyx cushion, which often is recommended for sitting during recovery, costs about $10 to $30 for a basic foam cushion or up $80 for a memory foam cushion.
Health insurance usually will cover a tailbone fracture. With health insurance, typical expenses include a doctor visit copay of about $10 to $40 or more and any over-the-counter supplies required.
In some cases, to reduce inflammation and pain, the doctor will administer a steroid shot. Other prescribed treatments -- usually several days of rest, pain relievers, stool softeners, sitz baths and possibly a coccyx cushion for sitting -- will be done at home.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center[4] provides an overview of broken tailbone diagnosis and treatment. Recovery typically takes several weeks, according to eMedicineHealth.com[5] .
Additional costs:
Going to an emergency room for initial treatment could add $1,000 or more to the final bill; costs would include an emergency room visit fee and an emergency room doctor fee; the patient might then need to seek treatment from an orthopedic specialist.
Discounts:
Some free clinics, such as Community Health Free Clinic[6] in Chicago, offer orthopedic specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[7] offers a directory of federally funded health centers; if the nearest clinic doesn't offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.
Shopping for broken tailbone treatment:
The patient can visit a general practitioner, who can give a referral to a specialist if necessary. Or, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery[8] offers an orthopedic surgeon finder by city, state or zip code.
Tail bone cushions can be purchased through medical supply websites such as Allegro Medical[9] or The Medical Supply Group. TailBoneDoctor.com[10] offers a guide to buying a coccyx cushion.
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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