A blood transfusion is done to replace lost blood components if a person’s hemoglobin levels fall below 70 – 80 mg/dl and can easily save their life. Although there are medical procedures that can save lives, blood transfusion is probably the most important and the most common. Another reason this procedure is done is to serve as a treatment for people who have symptoms of cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. it is estimated that more than 21 million units of blood are transfused each year.
how much does a blood transfusion cost?
The cost of a blood transfusion depends on where you live, the hospital/clinic you use, why the blood is used, and your blood type. On average, the procedure will cost between $900 and up to $3,500 per unit (525 milliliters of blood) without insurance. If you have a health insurance policy, this procedure will most likely be covered. if so, you will be responsible for your copay and deductible. ask your health insurance provider for more information, as each policy is different.
Reading: How much does a blood transfusion cost without insurance
yale global health review, for example, says the cost is about $210 per unit of blood transfused to the hospital, and the costs to a patient will depend on what the blood is used for; for example, patients receiving an organ transplant can easily see prices exceed $3,800.
This Hopkins drug price list says the average blood transfusion service is $4,271.
According to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the cost of a blood transfusion can range from $1,800 to $3,000, and the Iowa Orthopedic Journal says costs can range from $1,700 to $2,500 per unit of blood transfused.
The smart choice also points out that a blood transfusion can cost a lot. With a unit of blood costing between $200 and $300, there are other additional costs to think about, such as storage, processing, and hospital and equipment fees. Also, the costs can be much higher if you have an infection and/or a serious problem from the transfusion.
the dayton daily news ran an article about a patient who was charged $1,600 per unit of blood.
summary of blood transfusions
Even before the procedure begins, the medical staff will check your identification to make sure you are receiving the correct blood.
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A blood transfusion is a safe and common procedure in which the patient will receive blood through an intravenous line. It will commonly be performed in an outpatient facility in a hospital setting. The procedure will take up to four hours, depending on how much blood the patient needs and what their doctor has prescribed. each unit, on average, transfuses between 90 and 120 minutes.
After the procedure is complete, the IV will be removed, your vital signs will be checked, and you are free to leave immediately as long as no side effects occur.
what are the additional costs?
As stated above, infection and/or a serious problem with the transfusion could occur, increasing costs, depending on the procedure needed to resolve the problem.
In the future, you will need to see your doctor to see how your body is responding to the donor blood and to see if your blood counts have reached the right levels.
tips to know:
The most common blood types include a+, b+, ab+, o+, a-, b-, ab-, and o-, with o+ and a+ being the most common. Although all negative types are rarer than their positive counterparts, the rarest blood type is Ab-. if you have this blood type and need a transfusion, it will be very difficult to find a match. If you have this blood type, it is even more important that you become a blood donor to potentially help others in need. There are certain physical requirements to donate blood, but the average healthy person can donate blood up to four times a year.
If you have a rare blood type, your local blood bank may not be able to work with it. if your body rejects the blood, a side effect, known as an acute hemolytic reaction, can occur. This occurs when the body tries to get rid of the blood, causing it to release a poisonous substance that attacks the kidneys.
How can I save money?
The best way to save money is to check with your insurance company to see if they cover this type of procedure. If you don’t currently have a health insurance policy, consider using websites like ehealthinsurance.com to find a low-cost health insurance policy in your area.
Most hospitals and clinics will offer cash discounts to patients. If you don’t have insurance, try paying cash up front to save up to 50%.
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If you need financial assistance, there are government programs you may qualify for if you apply and meet the requirements. talk to the hospital finance department for more information.
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average reported cost: $1509.5
how much did you spend?
was it worth it?
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- angie (san jose, ca) paid $19,869 and said:
too much money for 3 units of blood. I was in the hospital for 10 hours.
was it worth it? yes
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- amber (amber, utah) paid $3,000 and said:
it should cost a patient the same amount donors are paid, zero. do i give it to the red cross for free and they turn around and charge someone in dire medical need 3k a pint? It’s not like a patient needing an emergency blood transfusion can shop around.
was it worth it? yes
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