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 |  | With Health Insurance: 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $200-$3,000+ |
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If a cut will not stop bleeding, or is deep enough that fat or other structures can be seen, stitches might be needed to aid healing and reduce scarring.
Typical costs: | - Stitches typically are covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost typically would include a doctor visit or emergency room copay and possibly coinsurance of 10%-50% for the procedure.
- For patients without health insurance, stitches typically cost $200-$3,000 or more, depending on the provider, the injury and the complexity of the repair. Urgent care centers, which typically charge a flat rate that includes the doctor fee and materials, fall on the lower end of the spectrum, while emergency rooms, which charge separately for the procedure, facility fee, materials and doctor fees, fall on the higher end.
- For example, Doctors on Demand[1] , an urgent care group in California, charges $150 for repair of a minor laceration, $200 for a moderate laceration and $250 for a serious laceration. Solantic Baptist Urgent Care[2] in Florida charges $239 for a repair of a laceration that requires stitches or adhesive. Playa Vista Medical Center, an urgent care center in California, charges about $266 with a cash discount for a moderately complex repair of a two-inch laceration. Health Quest Family Medicine in Arizona charges $210 for repair of a laceration up to 3 centimeters, $250 for a laceration of 3-6 centimeters and $310 for a laceration longer than 3 centimeters. Salisbury Urgent Care & Injury Center in Maryland charges about $365 for suturing a complex wound. At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[3] , laceration repair typically costs $400-$650, depending on complexity, not including doctor fee, which can add hundreds of dollars, or the emergency room fee, which can cost $200-$1,200 or more.
- According to a recent study[4] done in Washington state, the average emergency room charge for repair of an open wound of a finger was $927; of a hand was $1,063, of a forehead was $1,665 and of a scalp was $1,869. According to the Minnesota Council of Health Plans[5] , a trip to the emergency room for a knife cut to the hand with tendon damage, including the emergency room fee, doctor fee and hospital fee and supplies could total $3,000 or more.
Related articles: Emergency Room Visit, Ambulance, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - The patient typically receives a local anesthetic, and the doctor assesses the wound to determine what type of closure material to use. If using sutures, the doctor might use a special needle pre-loaded with suture filament, and will place the stitches so as to minimize scarring as the wound heals. Adhesive or staples might be used. MedicineNet.com has an overview[6] of wound closure.
- If the doctor used dissolvable stitches, they do not need to be removed. However, with standard stitches or staples, the provider will use a special tool to remove them, usually after about five to 10 days.
Additional costs: | - A Tetanus shot typically costs $30-$70 at an urgent care center or more in an emergency room.
- In some cases, there is a doctor fee of up to a few hundred dollars to have the stitches or staples removed after the wound has healed. Many urgent care centers and doctors include removal in the original price, but if the stitches were placed in an emergency room it would be necessary to pay another doctor to remove them.
Discounts: | - Many doctors and hospitals give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[7] in California offers a 35% discount.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator[8] for clinics that provide discounted care on a sliding scale based on income.
Shopping for stitches: | - Wounds must be stitched within 12 hours, so it is recommended to go to an emergency room or urgent care center, unless an appointment can be made within that time frame at a family doctor or clinic. 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 services. And FindUrgentCare.com offers an urgent care center locator[10] by zip code.
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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 |
Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 2 3
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| Posted by: Edward D in Bartlett, TN. | Posted: August 22nd, 2023 11:08AM |
| Medical Center: St Francis ER Bartlett | Physician: |
NP Ordered CT scan but did not address the cut. The cut was still bleeding. After waiting about 5 hours, received 3 stitches and tetanus shot and was notified that CT scan was negative. No concussion. St Francis ER billed $13,455. Radiology billed $175. Southeastern Emergency Physicians billed $1,351 for a total of $14,981. We had to pay $2370 after Insurance adjustment! Outrageous for 3 stiches, tetanus shot and CT scan! |
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| Posted by: Dojung in Honolulu, HI. | Posted: July 17th, 2023 04:07PM |
| Medical Center: Kaiser Moanalua | Physician: Dr. Expensive |
Aloha,
Small laceration on head needed some glue. I saw the doctor for about 8 minutes, and then another 10 minutes for the glue. This was with Obama Care, which is really not good insurance as it is expensive and does not cover much (Bronze plan 800 a month - I am 62) The plan lowered the bill to 2171.00 I asked if they could lower the bill and they took off 25% if I was willing to pay all at once. As one person already commented" C'mon, this should be illegal. |
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| Posted by: Kateaz in Phoenix, AZ. | Posted: June 8th, 2023 07:06PM |
| Medical Center: Honor Health, phoenix | Physician: |
The new bill $300 dollars less than the disputed 1st bill. have insurance, so I never had to pay the whole thing, but it's the principal of it all. These overcharges are paid partly by my insurance company who will raise my rate next year to recoup the the costs so, rip off my insurance company rip off me ultimately.
Anywho, the hospital refuses to adjust the cost of sutures, charging the higher rate for a scalp/neck/under arm injury site to the proper tip of my finger. Though I was actually the only patient there at that time, 2 of us were the only ones for 2 hours, and then the trickle started, I was there for nearly 5 hours to recieve maybe 45 minutes of "care", vitals, x-rays, lidocaine injection, tetanus shot and stitches for a cost of $2800 alone for the room. There was no bandaging. 7 stitches total, 1 was already out by the time I made the 15 minute drive home and I was very careful not to allow the finger to touch anything. $3K out of pocket. Next time I'll just duct tape! |
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| Posted by: TBN in Austin, TX. | Posted: March 17th, 2022 04:03PM |
| Medical Center: Seton | Physician: Nicholas |
5 stitches $2390. Nearly $500 a stitch. What the hell is wrong with our health care system! |
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| Posted by: Ang S in Fargo, ND. | Posted: May 12th, 2021 04:05AM |
| Medical Center: Essentia | Physician: Dr.Sauter |
I cut my pinky finger slicing a bun it was 6pm on Sunday in Fargo North Dakota had to go to the closest ER he looked at my finger wiggled it and said I don’t see any tendon or nerve damage so 3 stitches should do it. A week later stitches come out and I can’t move my pinky finger at all go see my primary doctor about a week and a half later ended at having tendon and nerve repair surgery and 7 months of physical therapy |
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| Posted by: jmca in pittsburgh, PA. | Posted: March 22nd, 2021 07:03AM |
| Medical Center: St. Clair Hospital | Physician: Ruffner PA |
Needed six stitches on my finger and a tetanus shot. Billed $2069.00. Insurance discounts reduced total bill to $875.00. |
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| Posted by: Gary P in Stayton, OR. | Posted: May 5th, 2020 07:05AM |
| Medical Center: Stayton Hospital Oregon | Physician: |
Cut the palm of my hand near my thumb. It was very clean and prerty deep. Didnt cut any nerves. Went to the hospital and was checked in and out in 45 minutes. They cleaned the wound. Shot for pain. 6 stitches and a tetnas shot. The staff and service was excellent. Then the bill...
You have to be kidding me. I am assuming the water they used to flush must habe been flown in from Rome after being blessed by the pope. I have heard the saying... Your paying for the education and not the time. I am guessing they meant I am paying for their childrens education too?
I am self insured and plan to get a detailed bill because this is WAY too much. I didn't think it was going to be free and based on how much a gallon of gas or milk cost? Figured I would be getting screwed when they said it would be 6 to 900 dollars. 2 thousand plus? Insane. |
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| Posted by: Antoinette Hysterectomy in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: November 27th, 2019 08:11AM |
| Medical Center: Santa Rosa Westover Hills | Physician: Dr Crittenden OBGYN |
I was told disolvable stitches would best no discussion on price from doctor just advised easiest recovery time. Received bill with an additional charge on top of my surgery, hospital stay etc I had a charge for implant of $34,179. I though it had to be a mistake I called the hospital and I was asked ohh did you have disolvable stitches that what this charge was for I am in total shock. Twice my surgery cost why would this option even been given. I am in total shock. Avoid disolvable stitches at Christus Santa Rosa Westover Hills you will be sorry if you get them. I could have bought a new car and simply went back to have the stitches removed |
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| Posted by: Tavanna in Austin, TX. | Posted: November 10th, 2019 04:11AM |
| Medical Center: Care Now Urgent Care | Physician: |
My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches . |
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| Posted by: Daniel Pope in Morristown, NJ. | Posted: April 9th, 2019 09:04AM |
| Medical Center: ER - Morristown Medical Center, NJ | Physician: |
30 min procedure tops. Not including any of the ER bills. This was just the Plastic Surgeons Bill |
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| Posted by: Chris seal in St augastine, FL. | Posted: March 31st, 2019 06:03PM |
| Medical Center: Flagler hospital | Physician: Mrs jenlins |
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| Posted by: Vijay V in Hillsborough, NJ. | Posted: March 28th, 2019 10:03AM |
| Medical Center: RWJ Urgent Care | Physician: |
I cut my eyelid while working in the garden. I wasn't a deep wound, but there was scaring. Went to the urgent care, and they suggest suturing the wound is better for the eyelid. I had to come back to remove them in a week's time. Aetna had pre-agreed the urgent care amount. Initially I felt, i was charged high for only 4 stitches, but after reading everyone post, i feel it was quite nominal. |
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| Posted by: Ainhoa Lopez reguera in Livingston, NJ. | Posted: January 24th, 2019 07:01AM |
| Medical Center: Saint barnabas medical center | Physician: Erwin Bulan |
My 3 years old split open her eyebrow.we went to pm pediatrics and they told us she need stitches and the doctor said, "He wasn't good at doing stitches but he could try" they charge us $300 for the service,so we went to saint barnabas medical center we ask for a plastic surgeon after the nurses told us she could "try" to stich it. We ask for a doctor of cigma network but they said they had none.the hospital charged us $1369. While we were waiting for the plastic surgeon another doctor came to check on my girl wellbeing at yhis point she was playing with the tablet. That doctor charged us $410. The plastic surgeon finally came 3 hours later and Erwin Bulan did 15 stitches on my little girl eyebrow, in 2 rows. But the outside row he started to stich before the skin was broken and finished way passed, at that point I didn't understand why now I do. CASH he charged $5300.
I am so truly sad that doctor use her skills as business making as much money as they can and no one will protect us. |
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| Posted by: a user in Danville, VA. | Posted: January 15th, 2019 08:01AM |
| Medical Center: Sovah Health ED | Physician: Physicians Assistant |
I hit my head on a sharp edge while moving furniture causing a small but deep laceration to upper forehead. I got the bleeding stopped with direct pressure but my neighbor convinced me I should get stitches to minimize scarring. I went to ED because it was late and no Urgent Care facilities were open. Received 3 stitches and a Tetanus shot. I was only at the ED for an hour or so with the procedure taking 10 to 15 minutes. Total billed to my insurance:$8704. It was in-network so the bill was reduced to $3080.71. I have a $3000 deductible and insurance covered the remaining $80.73. Totally reasonable. Sadly I thought this was crazy until I read some of these other experiences! |
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| Posted by: Thom in Covington, WA. | Posted: November 9th, 2018 09:11AM |
| Medical Center: Multi care Covington wa | Physician: |
4 hours before they cleaned wound 6 total hours . Had to dispute charges down from 4k |
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| Posted by: a user in Petaluma, CA in Petaluma, CA. | Posted: August 27th, 2018 10:08PM |
| Medical Center: Petaluma Valley Hospital | Physician: |
Billed $493 for out of network Doctor even though hospital is in-network. $200 to walk through the door and a whopping $6627 for 7 stitches, a tetanus shot and 1 dose antibiotic. Still waiting on insurance but they don't cover anything until I reach $3000 so estimating my final cost is around $3700. |
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| Posted by: Kenh in Hudson, FL. | Posted: May 2nd, 2018 05:05PM |
| Medical Center: Regional Medical Center: Bayonet point,F | Physician: |
I went to the Er for a cut an my left forearm.Just the dr look my cut ,washed ,anaesthesia around the wound and stich me.No xrays ,nothing. SPENT 3 HOURS TOTAL IN THE CHAIR. |
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| Posted by: Djo in Rifle, CO. | Posted: April 29th, 2018 02:04PM |
| Medical Center: Grand River Health | Physician: |
I received a hand laceration at work, 15 minutes before my shift was over. I was driven there by a salaried member of management of the same sex. They flushed my hand with water to see my wound clearly. I received a shot of Lidocaine, when they did the touch test I still pretty much had full feeling in my hand so they issued another 30 cc’s. They gave me three stitches and the whole time I’m trying not to look. I bled all over the large gauze pads they had under my hand, a part of that was when they flushed my wound. Afterwards I received a tetanus shot and extra bandaging. |
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| Posted by: a user in Denver, CO. | Posted: April 2nd, 2018 07:04AM |
| Medical Center: Westminster Kaiser Urgent Care | Physician: ? |
Slipped and fell on a stick while running around on a hill, and recieved 2 lacerations on my right leg, one about an inch long and one about 2 inches long. Called my insurance asap (Kaiser) and they directed me to one of their Urgent Cares. They did advise me I could walk into any Urgent Care, but they may not cover all charges. Ended up having to just pay my 25 dollar co-pay, doctor advised I schedule a nurse visit to take them out so I would not have to pay more.
ALWAYS CALL YOUR INSURANCE and have them advise you of Urgent Care/ERs that they cover near you, had I walked into the Urgent Care down the street I would have probably paid multiple times what I did. |
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| Posted by: Shaco in Castro Valley, CA. | Posted: March 6th, 2018 10:03AM |
| Medical Center: Sutter Health | Physician: Jonathan Mcwhorter, MD |
ER visit. Had to get 10 stitches for my right forearm.
Bill came down to $2160. Fortunately, i was able to negotiate the bill down to $1080 requesting for 50% discount at the billing office because i had NO insurance during that time. |
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| Posted by: ddd in Teaneck, NJ. | Posted: December 24th, 2017 01:12PM |
| Medical Center: holy name hospital | Physician: Ulysses Scarpidis MD |
I went to emergency room at holy name hospital
with a cut the hospital called a plastic surgeon
to give me 5-6 stitches the doctor 1st wanted
$43,000 for a 30 min job and 5 stitches then when was told I did not have insurance reduce it to a $10,000 watch out folks we are getting rip off
by hospital and doctors |
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Page 3 of 3 - << Previous 1 2 3
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External Resources: | - www.doctors-on-demand-online.com/price_list.html
- www.carespot.com/
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- www.wsha.org/files/127/ERreport.pdf
- www.mnhealthplans.org/
- www.medicinenet.com/stitches/article.htm
- www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
- findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
- www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/(S(efntd2saaeir2l5pgarwuvvg))/search.aspx?AspxAut...
- www.findurgentcare.com/
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