Out-of-pocket expenditure among patients receiving plastic surgery care at an emergency department: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study examines the financial burden of plastic surgery care in emergency departments, showing that many patients face significant out-of-pocket costs.

Contribution

The study highlights the economic impact of emergency plastic surgery on patients, emphasizing the need for better insurance coverage and cost transparency.

Findings

A significant portion of patients reported financial stress due to plastic surgery care costs.

Uninsured or underinsured patients face a higher financial burden.

Cost transparency and improved insurance coverage are needed in emergency plastic surgery situations.

Abstract

The out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses of 132 patients who sought plastic surgery care in an emergency department (ED) were evaluated.
Financial stress was reported by a significant portion of patients due to the costs of urgent procedures, prescription medications and
post-discharge care. Uninsured or underinsured patients have to deal with a much higher financial burden. The study highlights how
better insurance coverage and cost transparency are necessary in emergency plastic surgery situations. Thus, we show the economic impact
of acute treatment on patients' well-being.