Once in the examination room the tech took Pepper's vitals, then we waited for the doctor to arrive. The doctor examined, poked, and prodded. She mentioned how Pepper had lost a couple of pounds since his visit in August for his rabies shot. She said she'd like to run some tests, suggesting a urinalysis, blood work (including a CBC and thyroid test), and an abdominal ultrasound. That sounded expensive to us, and it was. Including the office visit, I put $275 on the charge card on my way out of the office.
The last time I had diagnostic tests done insurance picked up the majority of the cost, but I was amazed at the "list price" of the work. Today I decided to do a little comparison of human versus cat test costs. Here's a breakdown of Pepper's fees:
The costs for people tests were a little bit harder to figure out, but I found out that:Exam................................$50
Urinalysis..........................$29
Ultrasound........................$40
Thyroid Test......................$46
Complete Blood Count.....$55
Diagnostic Profile.............$55
- According to Howmuchisit.org a urinalysis can cost anywhere from $5 to $30. Advanced tests could increase the cost.
- Costhelper.com said that an abdominal ultrasound ranged in price from $200 to $650, with an average of $390.
- There are quite different types of thyroid tests. However, Costhelper.com suggests a range of $35 to $500, depending on the complexity.
- Compass Healthcare says the cost of a CBC test is about $150 (not including the diagnostic profile).
Five years ago today: Winter Weather Assault
That's cheap, around here same tests probably would have been closer to $400, which is why I drive 3 hours to a more affordable clinic. I hope your kitty feels better soon. Sure is hard to figure out what something will cost at the human doctor office before going in. Maybe that's so we don't shop around for the cheapest place to get something done?
ReplyDeleteWow! Now I REALLY feel good about the vet charges. Yes, Pepper is already perking up. I agree with you that health care costs seem to be a great conspiracy to keep us in the dark.
DeleteIt's satisfying to tell a pet it's upper limit, then know why we put the remainder on a card and don't mention it. Or, as I've mentioned about Toby, he's a person.
ReplyDeleteOne of these visits we're going to be confronted with a hard choice about money vs cat quality of life, but I'll continue to stick my head in the sand and think it will never happen.
DeletePepper's lucky to have good 'parents' vet bills are expensive but no choice really.
ReplyDeleteYou're right...pets are family and when push comes to shove there's really no choice.
DeleteI'm so glad you caught the infection quickly. Hope Pepper is feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind thoughts. Pepper is already up to naughtiness again, a sign he's feeling better.
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