Ouch: $900 for band-aid and tetanus shot; How to avoid paying more at the ER

If you haven't sprained an ankle or cut your finger in the past few years, consider yourself very lucky.

That's because more and more people are getting hit with sticker shock when they show up in an emergency room with a minor bump or cut.

That little bruise could now cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

The $900 Dog Bite

Sue Knox loves working in the garden of her home. But as she gardened one recent day, a neighborhood dog bit her in the leg, prompting a rush to the emergency room.

"We never saw a doctor. Instead, a doctor's assistant came in, looked at it, put two little steri strips on it, and a nurse came in and gave me a tetanus shot. And we were done," Knox said.

She said the bill -- $963 --was more painful than the dog bite. She said, "I thought it was crazy."

But it wasn't crazy, according to the New York Times, which said if you have a high deductible health plan, be prepared for sky high E.R. Bills.

Breakdown of average E.R. visit

The report said a Level 2 E.R. visit -- for a cut or broken bone -- often starts with a $400 facility fee.

Then add a doctor's fee, ranging from $200 to $1,000. That fee often arrives in a separate bill and surprises many people.

Lab fees and X-rays often total another $400. A CT Scan (cat scan) or MRI can add thousands more.

Why such high costs?

John Rudnick is a former hospital administrator, now chief financial officer of an outpatient clinic.

Rudnick explained, "There are professional fees, facility fees, diagnostic fees, etc. So it does become confusing for the average consumer."

Why such high fees, such as $200 for a tetanus shot that you can get at Walgreens for less than $50? He said paying E.R. customers have to help foot the bills for patients who cant pay.

What you can do

So Rudnick said if it's minor, don't rush to the E.R.

First, he said, call your doctor or insurer's nurse hotline to ask what to do.

He said, "If you have a relationship with a primary care physician that is going to be your first primary contact."

That person may suggest you wait until morning (if it is a cold or an ankle sprain), then visit a local doctor if it has not improved.

Minor injury? He said go to an urgent care clinic, with fees a fraction of the E.R.

Rudnick said, "Stitches or wounds that may or may not need to be addressed, can be handled at an urgent care with a doctor on duty. And those providers are well trained to refer on if the scope of what they are presented with is beyond what they can take care of."

The New York Times said urgent cares are great for:
- Sore throats
- Cuts and sprains
- Broken toes
- Minor burns

Finally, the Times said negotiate: Ask if you really need a lab test or shot. Many times it is just to protect the hospital from litigation, and you don't need it.

Even once you receive the bill, you can still call and negotiate. Make sure you ask for their "preferred insurers rate."

Most of Sue Knox's bill was eventually picked up by Medicare and insurance. But husband Tom said it's still not right.

He said, "I just think its ridiculous, an exorbitant fee, $963 for a tetanus shot and band aid?"

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: If you think you are seriously injured, go directly to the emergency room. Do not worry about cost if it could be a serious injury.

But for more minor mishaps, you may want to make some plans in advance, and know what some cheaper options are, so you don’t waste your money.

_____________
Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the EW Scripps Co.
"Like" John Matarese on Facebook
Follow John on Twitter