How Much Does an ER Visit for a Broken Bone Cost?

An emergency-room visit for a broken bone is typically billed $2,500 to $8,000. That covers the ER facility fee, X-rays, the physician fee, and any splint or cast and setting (reduction) of the bone. A simple fracture treated and splinted is at the low end; one that needs sedation or a reduction is higher, and a displaced fracture that requires surgery is billed separately and costs much more.

Many urgent care centers can X-ray, splint, and refer simple fractures for a fraction of ER cost, and they are a good option for a stable, closed break in a finger, toe, wrist, or ankle. Go to the ER for a bone poking through the skin (open fracture), a visibly deformed or angulated limb, severe bleeding, a head or neck injury, or a suspected hip or pelvis break.

A displaced or complex fracture that needs surgical repair (with plates, screws, or pins) is billed on top of the ER visit and commonly totals $15,000 to $35,000 or more, including the operating room, anesthesia, and hardware. What you actually pay is capped by your insurance out-of-pocket maximum, or reduced by a self-pay discount and financial assistance.

Yes. A fracture is a legitimate emergency, so it is covered under the prudent layperson standard. You owe your ER copay or coinsurance and deductible up to your out-of-pocket maximum. If a claim is wrongly denied or the visit is downcoded, that can be appealed.

Get an itemized bill and check the ER visit level, the number of X-ray views billed, and any charge for the splint or cast supplies. Uninsured patients should ask for the self-pay discount and hospital financial assistance. For follow-up, an orthopedic office visit is cheaper than repeat ER visits. If the bill looks inflated or unaffordable, have it reviewed. CareRoute Bill Defense reviews and negotiates these bills with no fee unless we save you money.