What is the cost of diagnosing a UTI?
What are the costs associated with UTI testing?
UTIs (urinary tract infections) are among the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions of men and women annually. They are often treatable with antibiotics however diagnosing them accurately is crucial for effective treatment. For patients various costs and resources are associated with UTI testing. The out-of-pocket costs for testing can vary for different reasons such as whether you have insurance, the type of insurance coverage you have, and the specific lab or doctor’s office you’re testing with. The costs can quickly add up making it important for patients to stay aware of their testing options and understand what they’re paying for.
What does a typical UTI test involve?
UTI testing typically involves a combination of a doctor’s visit, urinalysis, and urine culture.
- Doctor’s Visit: This initial step begins with a patient’s consultation with their doctor. The consultation time and facility overhead contribute to costs and can be passed onto the patient through a copay with insurance or out-of-pocket expenses without insurance.
- Urinalysis: A standard urinalysis includes taking a urine sample and examining the urine under a microscope for signs of infection based on its chemical and microscopic findings. The urinalysis makes up a significant portion of the total UTI testing costs.
- Urine Culture: When a urinalysis suspects a potential UTI, a urine culture is conducted to confirm diagnosis. This involves identifying the bacteria present in the urine sample that’s causing the infection. A culture test offers only about 50% accuracy causing many urinary tract infections to be misdiagnosed. The costs here are associated with the lab equipment and skill to perform the testing.
Besides monetary costs, UTI testing also involves the cost of time with each step of the process having an impact on patient care and overall out-of-pocket expenses.
What are the out-of-pocket expenses for UTI testing?
Typical testing for UTIs varies depending on the patient’s insurance status and the facility they visit. On average a urinalysis test alone can range from $80 to $500 depending on costs associated with the medical tests, office visits, and administrative fees (Mira Health, 2021). Note this range does not include treatment of the UTI.
If UTIs aren’t properly treated, symptoms can quickly worsen and pose more dangerous health risks. Based on an analysis conducted by Goodbill in 2022, patients who had to visit the ER (Emergency Room) for UTI treatment and testing had an average out-of-pocket expense of $2,215 for those with insurance and $2,474 for those without insurance. These costs are often associated with hidden fees and unexpected bills months after the initial visit.
With ReliaHealth at-home UTI lab tests there are no hidden costs, you pay a flat rate and are tested for 5x more pathogens than a urine culture test and with 98% accuracy. The ReliaHealth antibiotic resistance panel goes a step further in letting you and your doctor know if the bacteria detected in your urine sample has antibiotic resistance and therefore needs a specific antibiotic to be treated. ReliaHealth RT- PCR tests allows you to diagnose your UTI quickly and correctly the very first time.
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17893-urinalysis
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22126-urine-culture#test-details
https://www.goodbill.com/er-visit-cost-uti
https://www.talktomira.com/post/should-i-go-to-urgent-care-for-a-uti
