SHOPPING FOR MEDICAL SERVICES
Here's a sampling of average fees for medical procedures provided in the south metro area of the Twin Cities, according to Healthcarebluebook.com.
$251
Stitches for a skin laceration
$658
Stitches for a deeper wound
$59
Sinus or ear infection, treatment at walk-in clinic
$109
Sinus or ear infection, treatment at doctor's office
$42
Chest X-ray
$92
Hearing test, both ears
$39
Test for fluid in middle ear
(tympanometry)
$1,036
Appendectomy, surgical removal
$512
Anesthesia for 1-hour appendectomy
$42
Tetanus shot, walk-in clinic
$40
Tetanus shot, physician's office
$23
Complete blood count, differential
does not include physician visit
$37
Office visit, limited exam, treatment
about 5 minutes with doctor
$109
Treatment for flu, doctor's office
about 15 minutes with doctor
$99
Treatment for flu, clinic
includes prescription and lab test, if needed
$766
Knee MRI
$1,524
Broken lower leg, surgical repair
$447
Broken lower leg, one hour anesthesia
CHECKING MEDICAL PRICES
Many insurers post cost estimates for common treatments online.
Medica offers a range of prices for common procedures and allows you to search by facility type (same day surgery center versus a hospital, for example) at Mainstreetmedica.com.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota members can research prices by provider at cdhp.bluecrossmn.com. Non-members can receive general tips on saving money with a high-deductible plan through the Health Plans 101 link.
HealthPartners members can get individualized price estimates from multiple providers and estimate yearly medical costs at www.healthpartners.com/portal/1900.html.
