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Heat stroke, a condition in which the body overheats and reaches 104 F (40 C) degrees or higher, is caused by doing physical activity in hot weather or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It is considered a medical emergency and, if left untreated, can cause damage to internal organs.
Typical costs: |
- Because heat stroke requires immediate attention, a patient experiencing it will typically need to be taken to the emergency room at the first sign of symptoms[1] , or be transported there by ambulance.
- For patients without health insurance, an emergency room visit typically costs between $150 and $3,000 or more, depending on the severity of the condition and the diagnostic tests and treatment performed. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket cost for an emergency room visit typically consists of a copay, usually $50 -$150 or more, which often is waived if the patient is admitted to the hospital. Depending on the plan, costs might include coinsurance of 10% to 50%.
Related articles: Ambulance, Emergency Room Visit, Room Air Conditioner
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What should be included: |
- Heat stroke is most likely to affect small children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, as well as those taking certain medications, including anticonvulsants and heart and blood pressure medications.
- According to the American Academy of Family Physicians[2] , evaluation of a patient with suspected heatstroke will typically include an assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation. Tests[3] may include a physical exam, blood tests ($8-$150 or more), and a CT scan ($50-$1000), or an MRI ($1000-$5000), to assess any damage to internal organs.
- Treatment[4] centers around cooling the body to a normal temperature, and can include, for instance, being packed with ice and cooling blankets. It may also include oral rehydration if the patient is dehydrated.
- With proper care, symptoms of heat exhaustion often fade within two to three hours.
Additional costs: |
- According to the American Academy of Family Physicians[5] , after a patient recovers from heat stroke, he or she may be more sensitive to high temperatures for about a week. It may help to invest in an air conditioner ($100 -$760) to stay comfortable.
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 can help to prevent heat stroke. Sunscreens typically range in cost from $5-$30 or more, like L'Oreal Sublime Sun Face Lotion SPF 50[6] , which costs $11 at drugstore.com.
Discounts: |
- Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[7] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.
- Seniors and families who can't afford to buy or run an air conditioner can check with local government agencies for programs for assistance. One such program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) [8] .
Shopping for heat stroke treatment: |
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a hospital comparison tool[9] that lists hospitals near a chosen zip code, how far away they are and whether they offer emergency service.
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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 |
| Posted by: sandy lawson in round rock, TX. | Posted: July 22nd, 2014 08:07PM |
| Treatment: heat strok/exposure | Medical Center: round rock |
| Insurance: medicare/medicade |
it started the same both times, i woke very sweaty and felt as if i needed to vomit right away. i tried last year not too because it was 2 days before my pain dr apt. and i didnt have the meds to waste. but.... it did come up anyways. my ac has been out for over 3 years and i have sc in my bedroom only, so when i stepped out side i was iemidieately ill and once i start i cant stop, so i wasted alot of meds, in act the ones that came back up whole i rised off and tried to poke them back down so that i didnt go through with drawl rom my pain meds for my back and neck. it did take a couple of moths to recover from this, and i had major problems beeing in the sun for a good while. this year ( 3 weeks ago ) it was very much the same i canme outside the heat hit me and i fought all that day not to be sick as i had a drs apt that day and had to have those meds in my sytem. i made it out of the dr.s office but nit far before having to turn on my flasher and just stop to be sick. 6 more times. |
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External Resources: |
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025/DSECTION=symptoms
- www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0601/p2133.html
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
- familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/hea...
- www.drugstore.com/loreal-sublime-sun-face-lotion-spf-50/qxp381068?catid=159098
- www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
- www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/programs/liheap/about
- www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/(S(efntd2saaeir2l5pgarwuvvg))/search.aspx?AspxAut...
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