Dislocated Elbow Cost

How Much Does a Dislocated Elbow Cost?

With Health Insurance: 10%-50% Coinsurance

Without Health Insurance: $1,000-$6,000+

Elbow dislocation can be a major injury, especially if the nerves that run through the elbow are injured and require surgical repair. Symptoms of elbow dislocation can include severe pain, swelling, inability to bend the arm and a loss of feeling in the hand.

Typical costs:

Without health insurance, diagnosis and treatment for a dislocated elbow typically includes the cost of the X-ray, a facility fee and a doctor fee for a typical total of less than $1,000 if no anesthesia is required to $6,000 or more if anesthesia is required. An elbow X-ray costs an average of $240, according to NewChoiceHealth.com^[1] , but some providers charge up to $3,500 or more. Treatment without anesthesia costs about $495 and, with anesthesia, ranges from $3,900 to $6,000, not including the doctor fee, according to Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center^[2] in Lincoln, Nebraska. A typical doctor fee could range from $250 to $950 for the procedure, according to Carolina Orthopaedic Surgery Associates^[3] .
Treatment for a dislocated elbow is typically covered by health insurance. A patient with insurance would typically pay an X-ray copay, an office visit copay and coinsurance of 10% to 50% for the procedure. The cost could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum if anesthesia is required.

Related articles: Elbow Treatment or Surgery, Elbow Replacement, First Aid Kits

What should be included:

After ordering an X-ray to check for bone injury, the doctor will conduct a physical exam to look for nerve or artery injury.
For a simple elbow dislocation, the patient will be given pain medication and a sedative, then doctor and an assistant will physically manipulate the elbow back into the correct position. The doctor will apply a splint or sling, which will stay in place for two to three weeks.
For a complex dislocation, a surgeon might have to use general anesthesia, realign the elbow and surgically repair any damage to ligaments. Afterward, an external hinge might be used to keep the elbow in place during healing.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons^[4] offers a primer on elbow dislocation and treatment.

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.^[5] charges $300 to $800, depending on care provided, plus $7.50 per mile.
Physical therapy, at $50 to $75 or more per session, might be required. For example, Akron General^[6] in Ohio 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^[7] , in Chicago, offers discounts for prompt payment.
Some free clinics, such as the Community Health Free Clinic^[8] in Chicago, offer orthopedic specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services^[9] 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 the nearest clinic doesn't offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.

Shopping for a dislocated elbow:

Elbow dislocation typically requires immediate emergency treatment, usually at a hospital emergency room. A dislocated elbow should be treated by an orthopedic surgeon, but also could be treated by a sports medicine doctor.
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery^[10] offers an orthopedic specialist finder by city, state or zip code. Or, 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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Toddler elbow dislocation

Amount: $888.00

Posted by: Sheldon brubacher in Lebanon, PA.	Posted: February 16th, 2021 07:02AM
Type of Treatment: X-ray and elbow manipulation	Medical Center: Orthopedic associates of Lancaster, PA
Insurance: 0

Original bill was 1,650 + 100 visit cost but with self pay discount brought the price to $888. They said it will cost $46 for x-rays but didnt mention the 1,550 to wiggle his arm for 5 minutes. Just wish the cost was presented before the procedure