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.
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.
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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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
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.
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
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 .
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Patient first charged me $189.14 for stitches. Then, charged me $161.03 on a day they were supposed to be removed only to tell me that they wanted to wait. Then, charged another $161.03 to remove the stitches. Insurance paid $343 leaving me with a balance owed of about $168.
Laceration to Palm at base of index finger, fat and tissue exposed. 4 local shots, cleaned and 3 stitches. Total $390. Discount $143, BVCS paid $186, my copay $60. Not terrible, and took about an hour total.
They put 8 stitches on my scalp and they took a CAT scan. I was expecting 1k or 2k but more than 3k is ridiculous. I feel robbed but there's nothing I can do.
In the middle of May at four in the morning,I cut my thumb. Enough to have to wake up wife and go to emergency room. I have no primary care physician, and I have high deductible so my monthly insurance premiums are low. Well five stitches and a lock jaw shot cost me out of the pocket $927.
Went to ER on Superbowl Sunday because I cut my right palm while slicing onions on a mandolin; stitches required. Went to ER at 5:30pm, saw a PA, got stitches and a tetanus shot and was back home cooking burgers and hot dogs by 6:45pm. I have Blue Cross PPO insurance. Bill came, my portion, $1347??? WHAT!!! I was told the bill was a total of $2600 and I was responsible for 50% of it due to my co-pay and deductible. WHAT!?!? I called Holmes Regional and asked what it would have cost if I was uninsured and simply walked in for the sutures...the price...get this...$526! So, because I have insurance, the 'system' is soaking me...soaking us...all of us. Somethings VERY WRONG!!!
Needed 8-10 stitches on bottom of foot for last 3 toes. 1st off my so called work provided insurance didn't cover anything due to high deductible even with this bill didn't meet deductible for the year. Received 2 bills facility & professional, charges Level IV E&M (facility)$1452.00 (prof)$752.40, Simple repair scalp/necessary (facility)$484.48 (prof) 348.48, Radex foot come min (facility)612.26 (prof) 257.40 and tdap vaccine 168.11 THIS IS LEGAL THEFT in my opinion especially since payment for both are paid to same place, and I know that they didn't pay the person admitting me $752 for her 15 minutes of work. Total bills of 2321.05 after insurance adjustments for 30 minutes of work is INSANITY and government/medical professuonals wonders why we don't have insurance or don't pay bills!!!! COMPLETELY PISSED OFF!!!!
2 hours in the waiting room. Another 2 hours once we were put in a room. Another hour for them to train someone how to do the 5 stiches to my sons leg. After finishing the 2 nurses argued if they were the correct kind of stitches. If they would dissolve or not .. They never told me . Of course they don't dissolve so we will have to have them removed. Another charge there.
Cut my pinkie on a broken glass and drove myself to e.r. (first mistake). Nobody at desk so i had to ring buzzer 3 times before a slack jawed security guard peeked around the corner. The Dr. wanted to do an x-ray( which she admitted was unnecessary). Had 5 different nurses at one point all within about 45minutes. 2000.00 for two stitches? After reading most of these I think they just charge what they think they can get from insurance(I dont have any.)
Went to ER on Sat, for two stitches to wound in hand. i did this because I serve f & b , Sat in the er for over an hour because the doc wasn't even there but I got charged er rates which is BS. Two stitches for that amount? I am not insured and have not paid because it is ridiculous. I haven't been given a self pay discount either. I wrote a letter telling them the charge was ridiculous & asked them to review it. They offered me financial aid applications.
Had a glass bottle shattered over my head. Received ambulance ride to ER, received 8 staples upon arrival, and 3 more an hour later. Doctor scheduled a CT Scan, I denied CT Scan. Bill for hospital ER was $2073, bill from Doctor was $1103. I saw the Doctor twice, once when he visited me when I arrived, and once when I signed the waiver for not getting the CT Scan. $1103 for less than 3 minutes of conversation, (the doctor didn't even administer the stitches) no topical ointments, no analgesics and no anesthetics. Was conscious during entire treatment. Likewise, was supposed to be taken to a Veteran Affairs local hospital instead of Ocala Regional.
Medical Center: Connecticut childrens medical center
Physician: DR kristin i welsch
The insurance company UHC only approved around $900, it part of the Game and its between the hospital and the Insurance company. The insurance paid less than $600 and I have to pay $315. No sane mind will understand this game of poker. I am unhappy mostly because in the Emergenecy Room I had to wait for 4+ hours before the doctor could come and stich my 3 year old's skin . And this is what they call emergency service. I wish no one( kids adults) has to ever go to the emergency room . Sugestion to all is Please play safe and avoid blood,pain and the terror of seeing kids in blood.
Had to pay my entire deductible of 1100 plus several hundred more for coinsurance for glue to be placed on about a 2 cm lacreation for mthe 2 year old son. This is beyond ridiculous and we were there for less than 30 min. I mean come on, this should be illegal.
Managed to get a 2cm puncture wound in my calf. It took a couple of hours to get 3 stitches. The wound got infected and opened up again 2 weeks later. (so I ended up with a couple of urgent care visits too). From the ER visit my insurance was originally billed $2000, but the insurance discount brought it down to $1100. I had a $150 ER copay and insurance did the rest. Seeing what others have been charged, I guess this was more reasonable than I had previously thought. However, the stitches were not done very well, so will just go to urgent care next time.
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