How Much Does Toxic Shock Syndrome Treatment Cost?
With Health Insurance: Copays and 10%-50% Coinsurance
Without Health Insurance: $6,000-$115,000+
Toxic shock syndrome happens when toxins are released by a certain type of staph or strep bacteria. It can occur from extended tampon use or after childbirth, surgery or an injury. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, aches and low blood pressure. TSS is considered serious and can be fatal.
Typical costs:
For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for toxic shock syndrome treatment typically consist of doctor copays, laboratory copays, prescription drug copays or coinsurance and a hospital copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. Toxic shock syndrome treatment typically is covered by health insurance.
For patients not covered by health insurance, toxic shock syndrome treatment typically costs tens of thousands of dollars for several days of hospitalization, doctor fees, laboratory fees and drug costs. According to a study[1] published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, of 192 children hospitalized for toxic shock syndrome, the median length of stay was 13 days and the median total cost was about $35,000, though for 10% of patients the bill reached $115,000 or more.
Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Kansas charges about $6,000-$24,000 for hospitalization and treatment for a serious systemic infection, not including doctor fees. Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[2] in Nebraska charges between almost $12,000 and more than $44,000, not including doctor fees, to treat a severe infection that requires more than four days in the hospital, but charges can go up to almost $100,000-$180,000 or more of there are major complications such as organ failure.
In an emergency room, the patient typically is placed on IV fluids and a heart monitor, and doctors diagnose[3] toxic shock syndrome with a variety of tests, including blood tests to check electrolytes, cell counts and organ function, as well as a chest X-ray and electrocardiogram.
Treatment typically involves removing the source of the infection if possible (for example, if it was caused by a tampon), and putting the patient on one or more IV antibiotics such as nafcillin[4] , oxacillin[5] or clindamycin[6] . While the antibiotics work, the patient receives monitoring of organ function and supportive care, such as IV fluids, medication to boost blood pressure, and possibly oxygen.
The National Institutes of health has an overview[7] of toxic shock syndrome.
Additional costs:
Toxic shock syndrome can recur at a later time, requiring additional treatments.
Discounts:
Many hospitals and doctors give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured or cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[8] in California offers a 35% discount.
Shopping for toxic shock syndrome treatment:
Because toxic shock syndrome can be fatal, it is recommended to seek treatment immediately at an emergency room for suspected cases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a hospital comparison tool[9] that lists hospitals near a chosen zip code, how far away they are and whether they offer emergency services.
eMedicineHealth.com offers a list of symptoms[10] of toxic shock syndrome and a guide[11] to when children and adults who have similar symptoms should go to the hospital.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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