I am behind in my gather mail, but I really felt I needed to post my own opinion to the boy who recently passed away when the news reported that his tooth extraction would have only cost $80.
Again, we have here another false report. Well, not truly false as the extraction alone may have cost $80. What the news forgot to report was the extra costs into getting that tooth extracted.
We do not have any health insurance for my husband or I and struggle if either of us need any medical help. Thankgoodness in the last couple of years, we have not needed any specific needs to see a doc.
There are quite a few people that do not realize what the actual costs for someone without insurance to have a tooth extracted.
My MIL recently checked to see what it would cost to have a tooth extracted and found the cheapest at $600. I remind you this tooth is not infected either.
I searched a few sites to see what they said about the actual costs of tooth extraction... I want to remind you that you have to factor in other costs such as the initial visit for the dentist to tell you to come back, the antibiotics the child needed to combat the infection, the xrays needed to see what damage has already been done and probably a few others factors as he may have needed to see an oral surgeon who's costs are also jacked and he will tell you to come back after the first initial visit.
Here are some other things to consider in the cost of a tooth extraction:
- The cost is based on difficulty of the procedure.
- Add 200-300 more buckaroos if stitches are needed.
- Anesthesia
- and Please do not forget about all the extra charges for equipment used there will be.
I just wanted to post my opinion as I am appalled that others out there really do not know what their insurance pays for something like this... And remember that someone with insurance pays less than a person coming in off the street.. All the dental places I have come across will not even see you until their entire bill is payed up in full up front....
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Comments: 17
And, yes it is really sad.
The cost, including xrays, the pain killers, etc, was just shy of $400.
A simple extraction without surgery needed is a lot less than that, around $200 total. I know because he discussed the costs with me prior to doing it. The tooth broke when he attempted non-surgical because it was cracked so badly. Because of that, he needed to surgically remove it.
I don't know what dentist you have seen, or what other issues were involved, but a "simple" extraction (non-surgical) is only $200, tops. Completly without insurance, and it wasn't something I got a "deal" on. It wasn't even at my dentists office. I had to go to a specialist for it.
Ooops look out....Fore!
maybe the ship is turning, right Mr. Libby?????
Hello, Scooter?
I went to talk to the local eye doctor and made an agreement with him that we would pay the cost of the glasses (only for one style) if he would donate the cost of the exam. He agreeed but added the stipulation that we would only refer 1 person per week and we would verify that they were needy.
It worked out great but we had taken the time to do all the leg work.
Maybe more organizations should do something like this
Yes, life is worth every penny spent on that person, but sometimes there are not enough pennies to cover the bill.. and the fact that the money is all needed up front... people who have never had to truly pinch pennies do not realize that when you have to choose between a roof over your head, the lights on, or food on the table... it does make a difference in what gets paid and what gets medical attention..
I could have cancer right now, but because i do not have the money on hand to pay to get seen, I just cannot go and get either.. So, I sit without medical care and hope and pray every day that things are ok and I really do not need help. We could ask for a medicaid spend down, but that would be about a 1000 a month.. we dont have the much money a month towards medical care... it is really rediculous..
My kids are on their second bout of antibiotics for ear infections and the last medication cost like 70 bucks alone.
I guess it really depends on where you go, huh? I had a wisdom tooth extraction about 2 years ago and it only cost 150. However, this dentist is a real sweetheart and he knew I didn't have insurance, so he made it affordable for me (although, I was not one of his regular patients).