Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Treatment Cost

Typical costs:

• Because TIA requires immediate evaluation, 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 $150-$3,000 or more, depending on the severity of the condition and what diagnostic tests and treatment are 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%-50%.
• Treatment for TIA centers on pinpointing the cause and decreasing the likelihood of an acute stroke. Doctors will typically administer antiplatelet drugs^[2] which include the drug clopidogrel (Plavix)^[3] . According to Consumer Reports^[4] , these drugs range in cost from $1 - $264 or more per month depending on the drug and whether a brand or generic is selected. Plavix typically costs $254 for one 75-mg pill per day.

• To determine possible causes of symptoms and develop a full stroke-prevention plan, a patient will likely undergo tests^[5] , including a physical exam, blood tests ($8-$150), a CT scan ($50-$1,000), or an MRI ($1,000-$5,000 or more), among other things.

• If a TIA is caused by a blockage in the carotid artery--the main artery located in the neck--a doctor may recommend a carotid endarterectomy^[6] , a preventive procedure that clears fatty deposits from carotid arteries. Researchers^[7] have found that the procedure typically ranges in cost from $9,500 -$11,500.
• In addition to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and medications to prevent blood from clotting, a doctor may recommend that, as a preventive measure, a patient undergo treatment with angioplasty and stents, which are typically $11,000 -$41,000 or more, depending on the type of stent and length of hospital stay.

• Discount outlets such as Costco^[8] and Walmart^[9] often sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs at significant savings. Walmart, for example, has a prescription drug program^[10] that includes certain generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages.
• Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital^[11] 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.

• The National Stroke Association offers tools and resources^[12] regarding TIA and preventing stroke.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a hospital comparison tool^[13] that lists hospitals near a chosen zip code, how far away they are and whether they offer emergency service.

1.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/transient-ischemic-attack/DS00220/DSECTION=symptoms
2.  www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300338.pdf
3.  www.drugs.com/plavix.html
4.  www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/Antiplatelets-2pagers-FINAL...
5.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/transient-ischemic-attack/DS00220/DSECTION=tests%2Dand%2Ddiag...
6.  www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/carotid_endarterectomy_backgrounder.htm
7.  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11823682
8.  www2.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11486072
9.  www.walmart.com/cp/5431?povid=cat1070145-env172199-module051812-lLinkGNAV_PHARMACY_DEPT
10.  www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
11.  www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
12.  www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=TIA
13.  www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/(S(efntd2saaeir2l5pgarwuvvg))/search.aspx?AspxAutoDete...

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does a Knee Brace Cost?		How Much Does an Emergency Room Visit Cost?		How Much Does an X-Ray Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons? The Fourth of July is coming up, and we've got the cost of a BBQ grill covered. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Complete Spine MRI Paid: 3990.00 The total charged was $15554. Insane in the tube for an hour and 15 minutes. and charged for 4 separate MRIs... [more] -Stacey C Spinal MRI Cost Microdermal and lip piercing Paid: 110.00 Leslie is my piercer,she's a rockstar. She's very gentle... [more] -Dee Garland Body Piercings Cost StoneScape pebble resurfacing Paid: 12500.00 I drain my pool to rebalance new water and left it empty for a couple weeks. Plaster began to crack and pop off. Costly mistake for well performing 15-year-old plaster. Side job cost negotiated from $15,000 including coping repairs... [more] -Big mistake Pool Resurfacing Cost Golden Shepherd cross breed Paid: 356.42 My 1 year old puppy was spayed yesterday. It was $356.42 for surgery and meds. The cone was an extra $12.76. She also had her umbilical hernia repaired for an additional $183.23. Grand total $553.18... [more] -Dog mom Dog Spay or Neuter Cost Typhoid Oral Vaccine Paid: 100.00 NOT COVERED... [more] - Typhoid Vaccine Cost AC repair Paid: 847.56 AC was blowing only cool air not cold. Took driving 15 miles before cabin of truck cooled down. Mechanic thought it just needed freon but that was not the case. It needed the whole new system... [more] -Frustrated mom Car Air Conditioning Cost