How Much Does a Broken Wrist Cost?

Last Updated on February 8, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Breaking a wrist is one of the most common bone fractures, with over 600,000 cases per year in the United States alone. While these injuries often seem minor, the costs associated with diagnosis and treatment can quickly add up.

For those without adequate health insurance, a broken wrist can mean paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the typical costs step-by-step for treating a wrist fracture, from that initial emergency room visit through surgical procedures and physical therapy.

You’ll learn how factors like insurance coverage, location, and treatment options significantly impact your total medical bills. We’ll also dive deep into insurance claim tips and expense management strategies, even if you lack coverage.

Understanding your potential financial responsibility is key to making informed choices about your care. Let’s get started.

How Much Does a Broken Wrist Cost?

The total cost of a broken wrist can range widely, from $2,500 to $35,000+ without insurance. With adequate insurance, you may pay less than $1,000 in co-pays and deductibles or just a fraction of that amount.

Specific factors like location, hospital/clinic choice, diagnostic tests needed, potential surgery, and post-injury therapy will all significantly impact the final price tag.

On MDsave, the cost of a Lower Arm or Wrist Fracture (open) in California ranges from $8,424 to $13,304.

According to Enhance Health, without insurance, the cost of a broken arm that requires surgery generally runs up to about $16,000 or more.

International Insurance says that a sprained or broken wrist costs $500+ on a non-surgical basis and leaps to $7,000 to $10,000+ if surgery is required. The resulting physical therapy will also cost extra.

Dave Abels & Associates writes that without health insurance, the cost of diagnosis and treatment for a broken arm that requires surgery generally runs up to about $16,000 or more. The cost of a broken leg without insurance can reach many thousands of dollars.

Below we’ll look at typical costs broken down by each phase of care.

Initial Emergency Room or Urgent Care Visit

The first stop after injuring your wrist is usually the emergency room or an urgent care clinic. This initial visit focuses on evaluating the severity of injury through physical examination and diagnostic imaging.

Expect to pay $150 to $350 just for this initial exam and assessment if uninsured. Those rates apply whether seen at an urgent care facility or hospital emergency department. With health insurance, this ER/clinic visit will often fall under your co-pay amount, likely $25 to $50 as outlined in your policy.

Some costs derived from the first encounter may include:

• Emergency room visit/facility fees – This fee covers overhead like equipment, supplies, and staffing. Often $200 to $350 for uninsured patients.
• Physician evaluation – The ER doctor or specialist assessing your injury will also charge for their time examining you and interpreting test results. Often $75 to $150.
• Splinting materials – A simple splint to stabilize the injury may be applied at this first visit while awaiting test results. Materials like plaster and bandages can cost $50 to $100.
• Medication – Prescriptions for pain relief or anti-inflammatories often add $50+ in costs.

Again, those with health insurance pay greatly reduced rates for the above services thanks to negotiated discounts and coverage benefits.

Diagnostic Imaging and Tests

After the initial urgent care or emergency room visit and exam, the next step is to perform imaging tests to thoroughly evaluate the wrist injury. This helps determine the severity of the fracture and the need for surgery or other intervention.

• X-rays – Two X-ray views of the injured wrist typically cost $100 to $350 depending on the facility and number of images taken.
• CT Scans – If more detail is needed, CT imaging provides 3D views of bone anatomy. CT scans cost $300 to $1,000.
• MRI – MRIs visualize soft tissues like ligaments around the wrist fracture. Expect fees of $500 to $1,000+.

Insurers will often cover a large portion of these diagnostic tests after you pay your deductible. Uninsured patients may incur the full list charges.

Non-Surgical Fracture Treatment

If the fracture is well-aligned and stable after review of X-rays and other imaging, a cast or splint may be applied for immobilization and healing. This non-surgical fracture treatment averages $1,000 to $3,000, factoring in the following:

• Cast/splint application – The materials and time to wrap and mold the cast or splint averages $500 to $1,000.
• Follow-up visits – Regular appointments to examine healing progress, change the cast, and manage pain typically add $300 to $500.
• Bone healing supplements – Some doctors prescribe bone-stimulating medications during conservative treatment, adding $100+.

How much you pay out-of-pocket for non-surgical fracture care depends heavily on your particular health insurance plan. Expect to pay deductibles and co-insurance rates until meeting your maximum annual limits.

You might also like our articles about the cost of an annual physical exam, chiropractic treatment, and the cost of an ambulance ride.

Surgical Fracture Treatment

For more significantly displaced or complex wrist fractures, surgery is often necessary. This typically involves internal fixation using metal plates, pins, or screws to properly realign and stabilize the broken wrist bones while they heal.

Surgical treatment ranges from $5,000 to $12,000+ on average when factoring in costs like:

• Operating room – Use of the sterile surgical suite averages $1,500 to $3,000 alone.
• Surgeon’s fees – The orthopedic surgeon performing the repair will charge $2,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity and time.
• Anesthesia – Whether general or local, anesthesia services cost $500 to $2,000+.
• Surgical supplies/implants – Plates, pins, wires and other hardware often add $500 to $1,500.
• Overnight stay – At least one overnight hospitalization is typical after surgery, averaging $2,000 per day.
• Medications – Inpatient and prescription drug fees can cost $500+.

You’ll likely see higher out-of-pocket costs if surgery is necessary, even with insurance. Deductibles for the procedure itself, hospital fees, and supplies may apply. Compare costs between providers.

Factors That Influence Broken Wrist Costs

Many factors contribute to the wide range in your potential medical bills after a wrist fracture. Being aware of these cost drivers helps you plan financially. Key factors include:

• Type and severity of fracture – The more displaced, complex or unstable the wrist fracture, the more intensive and expensive the treatment needed. Surgery typically costs thousands more than casting.
• Choice of hospital or clinic – Major urban hospitals and specialized orthopedic clinics typically have higher overall charges than local community providers.
• Insurance coverage and plan details – Your specific out-of-pocket responsibility varies greatly based on your particular health plan. Those uninsured pay the full list charges.
• In-network or out-of-network facility – Your insurer negotiates discounted rates with in-network providers, so staying in-network saves substantially if insured.
• Additional rehab costs – Expenses like physical therapy for recovery may not be fully covered, so review your plan. Limited coverage also applies to braces, splints and medications prescribed after treatment.

Using Health Insurance for a Broken Wrist

Having health insurance significantly minimizes your financial exposure from the often high costs of treating a broken wrist. Here are some key ways insurance helps cover expenses:

• Negotiated discounts – Insurers contract reduced rates for services from in-network care providers. This negotiated price discount lowers your share of costs.
• Deductibles – Plans have an annual deductible, typically $500 to $2,000 that limits how much you pay out-of-pocket initially before coverage kicks in. Once your deductible is satisfied, insurance picks up a larger share of any additional covered costs that same year. The deductible resets annually.
• Co-pays – A set dollar amount like $25 to $50 per visit covers things like emergency room care, doctor appointments and prescriptions. Co-pays don’t apply toward your deductible but keep your per visit costs low.
• Co-insurance – After your deductible, you pay a percentage of costs like 20% while your insurer covers the rest. This co-insurance continues until you reach your plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Tips for Managing Insurance Claims

Be sure to take the following steps to maximize coverage for your broken wrist:

• Verify your treating doctor and hospital/clinic are in-network providers to access the highest coverage. This information is available online or by calling the insurer.
• Ask the facility to pre-authorize any planned procedures or surgeries before they occur. This is usually required by insurers.
• Review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) once claims start processing. It details what was covered or denied and your responsibility.
• Appeal any claims denied as “not medically necessary” via your insurer’s written appeals process. Your doctor can help provide justification.
• Negotiate payment plans for your share of costs directly with the hospital billing department if needed. Avoid interest by paying off balances promptly.

Final Words

Prompt injury diagnosis and care is very important, even with the costs involved. Being an informed patient allows you to seek quality treatment while managing the financial impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

How urgent is a broken wrist?

A broken wrist requires prompt medical evaluation, usually within 1-2 days, to protect long-term hand function. Seek ER care immediately if you have bleeding, extreme swelling/pain, or numbness.

Should I go to the ER if I think I broke my wrist?

Yes, the ER is appropriate with acute wrist trauma and symptoms like deformity, inability to use your hand, or significant swelling. Only mild pain may allow waiting to see your doctor.

Can you leave a broken wrist untreated?

No, untreated wrist fractures often heal poorly and result in lasting stiffness, weakness, and arthritis. Proper casting or surgery ensures bones align properly during healing. Seek care even if uninsured.