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Hospital Emergency Room Services

What services fall under the emergency room visit category?
Emergency room (ER) services treat a variety of illnesses and injuries which may be life-threatening and require immediate attention. When should you go to the emergency room?

Common Services Average Cost Estimate
Asthma
Lung function tests to determine severity and check for complications. You may need to stay in the hospital for observation.
$290-$580
Back strain
May include pain treatment and diagnosis.
$225-$510
Chest pain
May include treatment of chest discomfort or pain, shock, difficulty breathing, fatigue, or angina that has been diagnosed by your physician.
$685-$1,920
Headache
May include the use of drugs to quickly stop a severe headache.
$320-$810
Pneumonia
May include antibiotics and a stay in the hospital.
$250-$600
Sore throat
May include treatment for severe difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, and dehydration.
$175-$385


Want more information about the costs shown?
The costs above include the amount that Priority Health would pay the hospital for all services including lab tests, IV treatment, drugs, radiology, and therapist services. The costs may also include fees for physicians involved in your care such as your admitting physician, specialists, and anethesiologists.

The majority of people will experience costs in the ranges above. These costs are estimates only. Your costs may vary based on your Priority Health plan or specific service performed by the health care provider.

Do you have more questions about the Common Costs tool?

Why is it important to understand costs?
Knowing the actual cost of your medical care can make it easier to budget for your health care expenses. Talk about costs with your doctor when discussing health care options and prescription drugs.

How can you reduce your costs?
  • Call your doctor first! Of course, if you're having what could be a life-threatening emergency (chest pain, for example) then you should call 911 or go directly to an emergency room. But your doctor's practice is covered 24 hours a day, every day, so call them when you have a less-serious problem that you think needs immediate attention. Often, their advice over the phone could help you avoid an expensive and inconvenient visit to an urgent care center or emergency room.
  • Get a written treatment plan from your doctors, and follow it carefully to reduce the chance your illness will recur.
  • Make sure you know what the warning signs are for your condition or illness, and what to do if they occur. Fast action could keep you out of the hospital, which will save thousands of dollars.
  • Use generic drugs when they're available and your doctor thinks they're right for you.
  • Take your drugs exactly as you're instructed to - don't quit just because you feel better.
  • Learn more about reducing your costs

The calculations contained on this screen are based on Priority Health's proprietary database of claims information and other assumptions and inputs. Priority Health makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy of results for any individual. The calculations and costs provided may or may not represent your personal actual experience or costs. Actual costs and treatments for an individual person may vary.
Last modified 10/24/07