How Much Does a CPR Certification Cost?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency practice done manually to keep oxygenated blood flowing to a victim’s brain until further measures are performed.
Cardiac arrest, which is one of the top culprits of sudden death, can happen to anyone. Statistics show that over 350,000 people die from heart-related incidents before reaching the hospital each year, which could have been prevented if someone in the vicinity was there to help.
In order to become certified in administering CPR, you will need to take a training class to learn the proper techniques.
How much does a CPR certification class cost?
On average, to receive your certification, you should plan on budgeting anywhere from $40 to as much as $125 for the course. The cost will depend on the center you choose and what’s included in your course. In-person classes will always be more than an online class.
The American Red Cross offers a few CPR class paired with first aid and learning how to use an AED. The costs for their classes, according to the official website, will be in the $84 to $110 range. This cost, however, will depend on the exact class you want to take and where you live.
Jackson Community College, located in Jackson, Michigan, offers its Basic Life Support course for $65.
Online classes are available; however, if you were to take the course online, you will still need to meet a trainer in person to showcase your skills. Most online courses through a reputable provider will be $20 to $50.
The National CPR Foundation, for example, offers a standard CPR/AED course for $16.95.
If you were to take the class as a group, the costs could be in the $250 to $450 range, with a minimum of six to 10 people required before the class can begin.
CPR certification overview
A CPR course caters to healthcare professionals or students who have not yet experienced medical professional CPR; individuals whose cards have expired; and Emergency Medical Service personnel, doctor assistants, physicians, dentists, nurses, and respiratory therapists who are required to have credentials in CPR course.
Most training provides a comprehensive BLS Course that actually covers more than just CPR. In this curriculum, you will first learn to perform CPR on an adult. Once that is complete, you will learn the techniques of performing CPR on a child or infant. After you have mastered CPR, you will also review basic first aid, such as how to effectively stop bleeding. Part of this training that has been recently added is the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training. This is a machine that the average person can use that resembles the paddles that are used to shock a person’s heart, and it can now be found in almost any public building.
When learning CPR, the trainer will usually use three different sized dummies: an adult, a child, and an infant. He or she will use these dummies to show you the proper technique and then you will be allowed to try it on the dummy to make sure you understand.
Once you have completed the course, you will receive a wall certificates available for you to display. You will also receive wallet cards showing that you know the proper technique of CPR.
Certification normally lasts for two years, and recertification may be done at the end of the period.
The average CPR class will be two to three hours long.
What are the extra costs?
You have to pay additional costs for the textbook or additional study materials if they are not already provided. Even if the materials won’t be included, it shouldn’t cost more than $20 to buy everything you need.
If you want to get certified in basic first aid, in addition to your CPR certification, you may have to pay an additional amount. To extend your training, the costs could be similar to the estimates noted above.
Your certification will need to be renewed every two years, and a recertification should be about half of what you paid initially.
Tips to know:
Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the victim’s electrical impulses in the heart rapidly become inconsistent, causing the heart to suddenly stop beating.
88 percent of all cardiac arrest incidents occur at home.
Cardiac arrest attacks more men than it does women.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed.
Studies reveal that heart attack victims have twice the chance of survival if they are immediately revived through CPR.
An increasing number of government agencies, large corporations, medical offices, and non-profit organizations are now making CPR training mandatory.
CPR was invented in 1960 by an Austrian surgeon, Peter Safar.
If you opt to take an online course on CPR, make sure that the e-course provider you choose is nationally acknowledged and has a verifiable business license so that your certification can be validated.
If you are nervous about performing CPR on a stranger, there are mouthpieces that have been made so there is no physical contact necessary. If you purchase one of these, keep it handy at all times or it will go to waste.
How can I save money?
Some companies offer discounts to students, senior citizens, and groups. The CPR Company, a company we found online, for instance, offers discounts to church groups and other non-profit organizations. It also provides lower training cost for groups with more than 10 participants.
If you take your CPR training from Red Cross, you can save money with its free digital class materials or reasonably priced print versions.
Chances are there are a handful of organizations in your area that offers this type of certification. Talk with at least three to five to see what they are going to charge.
If your business or company requires that you become CPR certified, you should be able to get them to pay for some of even all of it.
How Much Does Roast Beef Cost?
Roast beef is the cut of meat that is taken from either the shoulder or the butt of a cow, depending on how it’s defined. If it comes from the upper rib area, then it will be defined as “prime rib,” but if it’s defined as a round roast, this will be the butt end product.
Roast beef is usually slow roasted in the oven or in a crockpot and is either on its own or used to create a sandwich.
How much does roast beef cost?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $4 to as much as $7 per pound. This will greatly depend on the quality of the meat and where you purchase it.
Prescottenews.com created a list of the prices of roast beef from three different stores in the Prescott, Arizona, area. The whole standing rib roast from Albertson’s, for example, sold for $4.77 per pound, while the New York roast sold for $4.47 per pound. On the other hand, Fry’s sells its whole standing roast rib at $4.97 per pound, and the New York strip roast sells for $3.77 per pound. Safeway sold its boneless New York roast for $4.99 per pound.
Arbys.com, the large fast-food chain specializing in roast beef sandwiches, offers catering and charges $6.99 per pound of roast beef. This price includes prepping and cooking the meat.
Roast beef that is sliced thin for lunch meat from the deli counter at your local grocery store can cost about $4 to $7 per pound as well. Prepackaged roast beef can cost as little as $2 to $4 per seven-ounce container.
Tips to know:
Choose beef that is packed in a cold and tight container. It should be free from punctures and excess liquid.
The best joints for roast beef will be either the sirloin, fillet or rib of beef.
Buy the meat last when you are grocery shopping so that it stays as cold as possible.
Fresh roast beef will have a bright cherry-red color. Your beef should not have any grayish or brownish marks; this implies that it is close to expiring.
Three pounds of cold roast beef should feed about six adults.
Roast beef nutritional facts
How can I save money?
Cheaper options for roast will include round tip, top sirloin and eye round.
Grocery store meats always go on sale. Check the weekly circulars to see which grocery stores are offering the best deals for the week. Even if you don’t plan on using it right away, roast beef can freeze rather well for up to a year.
How Much Does a Pomegranate Cost?
The pomegranate is considered to be among the oldest and healthiest types of fruits that originates in the Middle East.
This is the type of fruit that comes with the rich antioxidants that help the human body fight off the free radicals inside.
Historical records show that this fruit has been transported from various regions in the Arabic world and has come into the Western culture because of the flavors that it offers. For the United States, the fruit became popular when the Spanish settlers brought it to the California coast in the mid-1700s.
How much does a pomegranate cost?
On average, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $3 for one pomegranate. This price can be higher or lower depending on the season, wit the fruit in season during the months of September, October, November and December.
Hawaiifruit.net stated the average cost for their processed fruit would be around $5 per pound.
Rather than purchasing a whole pomegranate, you can simply purchase the pomegranate seeds. This is ideal for using the pomegranate as an ingredient since the seeds are sometimes tough to remove. If purchasing the seeds only, the costs can be between $1 to $2 per ounce.
On the Huffingtonpost.com, they state that the ready-to-eat type of seeds of the pomegranate will be around $4 for a 4-ounce container.
Juice made from the seeds of a pomegranate, on the other hand, will often cost $0.70 to $1.25 per ounce.
For example, the popular Argo Labs Naturally Pomegranate 32-bottle retails for $22.
Pomegranate overview
A pomegranate, according to Aldi, is known to be the jack-of-all-trades due to its fiber and vitamins C and K. It’s also a great source of potassium, copper and folate.
The pomegranate juice comes with the minerals and vitamins that will actually help in the prevention of the hardening of the carotid arteries. This means that you get to stay looking young because of the rich antioxidants that permeate the juices of the fruit.
The processed types of pomegranate that come in pills will come with the same nutrients that are found in the actual fruit.
The seeds of a pomegranate are composed of an outer membrane known as the aril. The aril is filled with succulent juice that surrounds to hard inner seed. You can choose to use a press to simply get the juice out of these seeds, or you can eat the entire thing. If you do decide to eat the entire thing, many people suggest that you do not bite into the inner seed but rather swallow it whole. The reason for this is that the seeds do not taste that great when chewed. However, despite what some people may say, there are no health risks associated with eating the seeds.
Tips to know:
Choose pills and supplements that have the least amount of preservatives and chemicals as this will help you get the best reactions from the pomegranate.
When choosing a pomegranate, make sure that it feels heavy. The skin should also feel firm.
When you remove the seeds from the pomegranate, they can be kept for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, they can be stored in a freezer for up to six months.
How to eat a pomegranate
How can I save money?
If you have a farmer’s market in your local area, consider checking it out. What you may find is that local farmers here are selling it for a fraction of the cost.
Whole pomegranates will always be cheaper than buying the seeds. A whole fruit, on average, should yield close to 16 ounces of seeds or 613 seeds.
How Much Does a VPN Cost?
A VPN, known as a virtual private network, connects you to a private network using your current Internet connection. These virtual networks use encryption and other security mechanisms to make sure that only authorized users can use it, adding an extra layer of security. By using a VPN, you can prevent your Internet service provider and government from seeing your Internet history.
How much does a VPN cost?
Overall, depending on what you want with your VPN, the costs are going to be anywhere between $3 and $10 per month. Take a look at some of the most popular VPN services online to see what they charge inside our table below:
| Provider | Cost (per month) |
|---|---|
| AnchorFree Hotspot Shield Elite | $39.99 for life |
| Avast SecureLine VPN | $7.99 |
| AWS VPN | $0.05 per VPN connection hour |
| Betternet VPN | Free |
| BolehVPN | $9.99 |
| CyberGhost VPN | $6.99 |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 |
| FrostVPN | $2.99 |
| Golden Frog VyprVPN | $9.95 |
| IPVanish VPN | $7.50 |
| KeepSolid VPN Unlimited | $6.99 |
| NordVPN | $5.75 |
| PIA VPN | $3.33 |
| Private Internet Access VPN | $5.45 |
| PureVPN | $9.95 |
| SurfEasy | $8.99 |
| TorGuard VPN | starts at $5.95 |
| TunnelBear VPN | $9.99 |
NOTE: The costs can be much cheaper if you were to pay three, six or 12 months at a time. These prices are accurate as of 2017 and are subject to change.
VPN overview
A VPN will use a public network to establish a private connection to connect its users. These services will also encrypt the data being sent and will also mask your IP address so you can’t be tracked.
Some VPNs will offer malware and spyware protection, but this level of protection will vary from one provider to the next.
Most services, at a minimum, should use PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN and/or IKEv2 protocols, have up to 256bit encryption and offer multiple country IPs. The top VPN services, from what we researched, will include OpenVPN, PPTP and L2TP.
Your reputable VPN services will often include a money back guarantee that can last three to seven days.
The top VPN companies offer anywhere from 100 to 3,000+ servers in more than 5 to 150 countries on average.
Tips to know
If you want to use a VPN on your smartphone, make sure the company is compatible with these devices. Most of your top providers, however, will support Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows.
If you want a VPN to watch America-only shows internationally, then you will want to make sure your VPN service provider is located in the United States. Make sure you know which countries that VPN offers.
See how many connections are allowed at one time. Typically, most providers will allow three to five, but some may offer more or less.
If you’re concerned about the data they collect, carefully read the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Some may record very little data, such as the time you logged in and the amount of data you used, while other companies may store any incoming IP addresses for years to come.
Free trials, plans and refund periods are extremely important to let you try out the service before committing to a contract.
With thousands of VPN services online, always read the reviews online to see what other people are saying. This customer feedback can allow you to see people like and don’t like about the service, and from there, you can make your own judgment.
How can I save money?
There are free VPN providers out there, but in order to use them, they may set a very low data limit or you may have to watch ads constantly to continue to use the service. They may also have other restrictions such as banning P2P networks. For instance, Hamachi, HotSpot Shield and Private Tunnel are three popular VPN providers that allow you to use their services for free.
Prepaying in advanced, such as 12 months at a time, can often save you upwards of 60 percent off.
Be sure to look out for promotional codes before signing up with a VPN for the first time.
How Much Do Roof Trusses Cost?
Roof trusses can be made of timber or steel and are formed together to support the weight of the roof.
The most common and oldest type of truss is the king post truss, which is in the shape of a triangle. The horizontal piece along the bottom is known as the tie beam, and the vertical piece through the middle is known as the king post. The sides are called the rafters, and the middle pieces are referred to as the struts.
There are also other types of roof trusses that can create different shaped roofs. Some of these may include the queen post, arch-braced, hammerbeam, and scissor styles.
How much do roof trusses cost?
The cost of a roof truss will depend on the design, the lumber being used, size, roof pitch and other variables we talk about below. Since so many variables need to be considered, it can be hard to give an exact cost. The truss alone, without any installation or delivery, can cost anywhere from $35 to $150 each, or if you want to price it by the foot, it can be anywhere between $2 to $5 per foot when using economical lumber. However, in some cases, the more you purchase at once, the more you can save.
Now, if you want to factor in the professional labor fees, the total costs can be about $4.50 to $6 per square foot. This would include the labor, equipment needed to install and the lumber required to create the roof trusses. Since each job can be so different, consider getting multiple quotes for free at HomeAdvisor.com. Here, you can simply explain your job and licensed, reputable contractors will contact you with bids.
Timberlake Trussworks, LLC, for example, created a very informative cost guide. According to their costs, the average cost of a truss can be anywhere between $81 to $104 per truss. As a total quick truss estimate for a simple house, then the costs will be very close to $2,000 for just the materials. This wouldn’t include the labor or machinery for installation.
This RoofCalc.org roof trusses cost calculator helps you estimate how much you may need to budget.
| Type of Truss | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 26-foot span with a 4/12 roof pitch | $3 to $4 per foot |
| 30-foot span with a 4/12 roof pitch | $3.25 to $4.25 per foot |
| Standard gable end truss | $3.75 to $5 per foot |
| Drop top gable truss | $3.75 to $5 per foot |
| Scissor truss | $4 to $5.25 per foot |
Factors that affect the cost
Amount
As mentioned, the more trusses you purchase at once, the more you can save. For a professional, it will just as easy to create 10 trusses when compared to just one.
Design Loads
The truss will only be able to hold only so much weight, but in some cases, it may need to hold more weight than average. If this were the case, then the design will need to be different. For example, if you were to switch from a standard gable end truss to a scissor truss, then the costs could increase 20 percent.
Material
As discussed below, there are two types of materials: timber or steel. Wood will always be cheaper than steel.
Roof pitch
The steeper the roof will be, the more it will be since the boards will need to increase in size as the roof area increases.
Spacing
As a standard, the average truss will be spaced two feet across, making the roof ready for the average roofing job. Again, almost all trusses will use this as a standard; however, in some cases, Timberlake Trussworks, LLC says some customers may ask for trusses every 16 inches to create a stronger roof. In barn or shop situations, the spacing can be as far apart as eight to 10 feet.
The span
The span is defined as the length at the bottom, and all trusses won’t be created the same. If the span is 26 feet, for instance, then the bottom cord can be built using a 16-foot and 10-foot piece of lumber, leaving no scrap behind. However, if the truss needs to be customized and scrap is left over, then the costs could increase.
Roof trusses overview
On the market, these are the most common truss designs you will see: the scissor truss, raised heel, hip, girder, mono, gambrel, polynesian, bowstring and tri bearing.
As for the ceiling style, popular types may include cathedral, vaulted, studio vault, inverted, tray, barrel vaulted or flat.
Trusses, on average, will be made from timber (wood), but in some cases, it may be made from steel as well.
Trusses are sold by major nationwide stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards and Ace Hardware.
What are the extra costs?
The estimates mentioned above will not include the delivery and/or additional taxes. Taxes, depending on where you live, can add another 5 to 10 percent to the total, while delivery, as long as within 20 to 30 miles, can be another few hundred dollars.
Upgrading the grade of lumber can increase the costs.
How can I save money?
The more you purchase at once, the more you can be able to save. From what we have researched, buying more than 10 to 15 at a time can help you save up to 15 percent.
How Much Does a Spray In a Bedliner Cost?
If you want to protect the bed of your truck from rust, scratches, and marks, the best option you can use is by applying a spray-on bedliner.
A spray-on bedliner is a thick coating which is applied to truck beds. Compared to putting on a plastic or a canvas cover on the truck bed, a spray-on bedliner is easier and more convenient to use.
How much does a spray in bedliner cost?
If you want to have a professional do the job for you, the costs can be anywhere from $350 to $800, depending on the product being used. On the market, you will come across two popular products: Line-X or Rhino, and from our research, most of their estimates were close to each other, so it really came down to a personal preference on which one you wanted to use. If you want color matching, additional surface spraying and a UV protectant, then the costs will be closer to the $800 mark; however, if you just wanted something basic from a third-party, no-name company, then the costs could be closer to the $350 range.
DualLiner, for example, talked with 248 installers over the phone, and according to their responses, Line-X installers wanted an average cost of $481, while Rhino installers had an average cost of $470.
This Edmunds article said they could have equipped a Ford F-150 with a factory spray-on bedliner for $475, but at a local Line-X franchise business, the cost was about the same, $485. A UV-resistant topcoat that prevented the paint from faded could have been added for $150 more. The article then goes on to show you how the bedliner process works at the shop.
The official Line-X website says its spray-on bedliner starts at $500.
Spray on bedliner overview
A spray on bedliner kit, if you were to do it on your own, should come with a spray gun, bed armor, and/or other features. Refer to the packaging to confirm the items inside. This installation can be done either with heat (aromatic) or without (aliphatic). Application with heat tends to be more durable at repelling UV rays, allowing it to keep its color. Application without heat, on the other hand, is usually the cheaper option, but it may fade over time.
The majority of spray on bedliners are black in color; however, professionals can match the color on your car for an additional fee. Spray on bedliners can be either smooth in texture, making it very easy or clean; they can also be rough, like the texture of sand, to provide traction and prevent slipping.
During the procedure, the bedliner will be taped off, similar to a wall in a home near the ceiling. The liner will then be applied to the entire truck bed, and the installer, most of the time, either use a Rhino, Line-X or third-party product. After the liner has been applied, it will be allowed to dry for up to two hours. After it has been dried, an additional coat can be added if necessary. The Rhino product will often be applied by using a hot, hot-pressured system, whereas the Line-X process will use a high pressure spray system.
The installation time will greatly vary depending on the installer. Most, however, stated it should take four to six hours to complete the job.
Line-X and Rhino do offer a nationwide lifetime warranty on its products, but some third parties may not.
What are the extra costs?
Many professionals will stick to a standard color such as black. If you want an exact match with the colors, you may have to spend an additional $50 to $150.
If you were to use a Line-X bedliner, then a UV-resistant coat can often be added for about $150 or closer to $400 if you wanted the paint to match the truck’s color. Without this, your liner may fade over the next few years.
If you want two coats, you will have to pay extra for supplies as well as installation since the job will take twice as long.
Questions to ask an installer
What kind of application process do you use? A hot process, according to Tundra Headquarters, is the way to go since the final product looks much cleaner. Some installers, however, still use the cold application, which can often create a dry and “runny” look.
How long do you prep? The longer they prep, the better the product will look. Most dealers can prep in less than 15 minutes, but if they were to power sand, the process could take well more than an hour. A good installer will remove the accessories inside the bed and sand the surface.
How long have you been doing this? As with anything, the longer they have been doing it, the better. If you were to buy a Rhino or Line-X product, for instance, the installers must abide by the warranties. If they go out of business or are a fly-by-night business, then you may be out of luck if something were to happen in the future.
Can I look inside your shop? A good shop will always have a cleaner and well-organized atmosphere. A dirty shop filled with dirt and dust, unfortunately, can contaminate the spray, creating a poor product in the end. If a shop doesn’t allow you to look inside their shop, then it may be best to go elsewhere.
How can I save money?
If you are purchasing a new truck, negotiate and try to get a truck bedliner included with your purchase.
Compare products and quotes. It’s best to talk with at least three to five installers before proceeding.
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, consider doing the job on your own. The cost of a spray in bedliner, if you were to purchase it on your own, will vary depending on the brand and who you use. On average, the cost of the spray can cost anywhere from $85 to as much as $175 for a complete kit. Again, this is for the materials only and will not include the professional installation if you were to need it. On Amazon.com, for example, you can find various spray-on bedliner product kits and the corresponding prices.
How Much Does a Splash Pad Cost?
Splash pads are basically playgrounds that incorporate water to create a fun and wet atmosphere, making water play safer since there is less of a risk for accidents like drowning.
There are many setups that can be used and each one can have different features. Ground nozzles, on most splash pads, will spray either freshwater or treated water upwards out of the rain deck. The nozzles are controlled by sensors or can be run on timers. Some splash pads have moveable nozzles and may also include different types of showers and other features.
How much does a splash pad cost?
Depending on the setup that you want, the costs to install a residential splash pad can vary anywhere from $4,000 to as much as $35,000. However, most residential splash pads can cost around $6,000 to $12,000. The costs depend on the size, surfaces, options, and other provisions such as electric work and excavation. Since every job will be unique, it can be hard to pinpoint an exact cost, and for that reason, we recommend you get multiple quotes for free by using HomeAdvisor.com. Here, you simply explain your job and licensed contractors will contact you will their quotes for free.
According to SplashPadLLC.com, most residential splash pads can range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000, while a small commercial splash pad can cost around $30,000.
If you do not want to purchase one, but rather visit one, the price of admission to a splash park is generally around $1 to $5 per person. Many splash pads also offer rentals for the day. For instance, the Columbia City Parks and Recreation offer free use of the splash pad during summer. Just take note of the schedule for free use. On the other hand, the splash pad can be rented during weekdays at $50.
For commercial pads, the costs researched varied anywhere from $41 to as much as $61 per square foot.
Those who want to do it on their own can purchase pre-made splash pad kits online for about $1,900 to $3,000. This price, however, won’t include installation fees.
Splash pad overview
According to Splashpadllc.com, splash pads can fit anywhere, from small backyards to large areas in a park. There are play pads which are generally bigger than landscape pads. Residential splash pads are around 150 square feet.
You can incorporate a splash park or a waterpark feel with waterfalls, grottos, and other features. All splash pads can be unique and 100 percent customizable.
Splash pads are usually lined with non-slip soft material so that the kids will not slip and fall while running around.
There are many features that splash pads can offer. There will be multiple fixtures that will squirt water in different ways, whether it is a stream or a spray. These can be activated by people running by or can be timed to go off every so often. There are also squirt guns that can be used by the kids to squirt others as they go by. There may be some type of play structure for the kids to climb, or all the features may just be on the ground. These are just a few of the features that are offered.
At some splash pads, there are separate areas for toddlers so that they are safe from the bigger kids running around.
Check out splash pads that have a built-in water system which treats and recycles water to avoid water waste.
What are the extra costs?
Regular use of a splash pad will incur you additional charges on your water and electricity consumption. However, it is relatively minimal compared to running a swimming pool. The average costs, if you were to run it six hours per day, would be about an extra $30 per month in electricity.
There is less maintenance required for a splash pad than a swimming pool as well. Some regions will require sessions on winterization (October) and start-up (April) to help keep the pad in good shape.
Regular cleaning and monitoring can be requested every year and would cost you additional charges.
Some facilities renting splash pads would require donations at a nominal cost.
Additional add-ons such as UV-resistant surfaces can cost slightly more. Other add-ons can include waterfalls, pools, landscaping, etc.
Depending on the complexity of the setup, the average electricity bill may go up 5 to 10%.
Local ordinances may require permits while the splash pad is being built.
Before a splash pad is installed, an electrician may have to be hired to run a hook-up to the pump.
How can I save money?
If you want to save money, you can opt to rent a splash pad instead of having one installed in your home. Check out online sites for areas that offer discounts or promos such as free rentals so that you can save on rental costs. You can also ask some friends around for referrals.
If you are set on having one installed in your yard, always make sure that you get a handful of quotes from local licensed and insured contractors.
If you are considering taking your child to a city splash pad, check for specials. There are usually days that city residents can come free or special hours during the weekdays that you can get discounts.
How Much Does Tommy John Surgery Cost?
Tommy John surgery, also known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) surgery, is a procedure usually performed to restore the torn ligament in the elbow.
The condition, which is chiefly associated with baseball and tennis players, occurs when excessive force is constantly placed on the elbow, causing it to become injured.
The procedure was named after Tommy John, the baseball player who was the first person to undergo the surgery in 1974.
How much does it cost to have tommy john surgery?
The cost of a non-surgical elbow treatment procedure can be $500 to $5,000 with insurance, but for patients without insurance, the costs can range anywhere from $10,000 to $26,000 or more. The treatment for elbow injuries should usually be covered by insurance, except for the more sophisticated forms of treatment.
If you do have health insurance, check with your provider to see what they are going to cover. If you are looking for a new plan or do not have coverage, consider using services such as eHealthInsurance.com that allow you browse through hundreds of policies.
According to PlacidWay.com, elbow surgery costs up to $50,000, including hospitalization, anesthesia and physical therapy treatment.
According to a Times Free Press report, the cost of Tommy John surgery alone costs more than $15,000 at Georgia Sports Orthopedic Specialists center.
A patient who had undergone Tommy John surgery in Overlake calculated the costs incurred during the day of the procedure. According to his post, when the facility fee, doctor’s fee, doctor’s assistant fee and anesthesia were factored in, the grand total was $15,053.25, but as an insured patient, his total cost added up to only $649.23.
Factors that affect the price
Professional fees
Surgeon’s fees are usually on a case-to-case basis and will differ from one surgeon to another. In general, the rates depend on experience and expertise of the surgeon.
Facility
The cost of elbow ligament reconstruction surgery is specific to the facility where the procedure is conducted. Getting the procedure done as an in-patient in a hospital can add to the overall cost. Most hospitals require their elbow surgery patients to stay overnight after the surgery. However, patients can still get the procedure done in the hospital for a lower fee, but as an outpatient. For patients who want the least expensive method, they can get Tommy John surgery performed on them at a licensed outpatient facility.
Hospital fees
These vary from one hospital to another and include operating room charges, labs, X-rays, medications, and any testing that the doctor orders before and after the surgery.
Insurance coverage
Some surgeons and medical facilities accept standard Medicare insurance. For patients with health insurance, a certain part of the cost will be covered. However, they may be required to pay a co-payment or co-insurance, unless they are enrolled in several insurance companies. They may also need to pay for all services that are not covered.
Tommy john surgery overview
Before undergoing the surgery, the patient will be examined and a comprehensive medical assessment including a number of diagnostic tests will be performed. An s-ray is done to look for bone or fracture irregularities, while an MRI is performed to examine the soft tissues in the elbow. The outcome of the examinations will determine if the surgery is needed.
During the surgery, which usually takes an hour, an incision is made on the inner area of the elbow joint and the damaged ligament is substituted with a tendon collected from another part of the patient’s body, such as the forearm, hamstring, knee or foot. At times, donor tissue is used.
The entire procedure can take up to an hour to perform.
What are the extra costs?
A rehabilitation of at least one year normally begins one or two weeks after the surgery, depending on the patient’s condition. Although there is a typical rehab program, every patient is given one tailored to their condition. Each session, without insurance, can be in the $100 to $150 range. At a bare minimum, the Times Free Press article sourced above said you should expect at least three months of physical therapy sessions.
Patients usually will need to pay a co-pay for every doctor’s visit, for an MRI (if not included in the package) as well as for physical therapy.
Pain medications may also be prescribed after the surgery to help patients cope with the pain as well as antibiotics to prevent infection.
An elbow brace may also be recommended after the surgery to immobilize the joint and help in the healing process.
Tips to know:
Perform research about the medical professional who will be performing the Tommy John surgery. He or she, at a minimum, should be a board-certified surgeon with a specialty in elbow diagnosis and treatment. If you’re unsure where to look talk with a local orthopedic surgeon for a referral.
Tommy John surgery is covered by many medical insurance policies, but be sure to check with your insurer first. If you are paying for the procedure yourself, the costs to be incurred will be explained and may be authenticated in writing.
Ask the hospital or medical facility for a quote beforehand, and make sure that it includes the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, and other charges to be incurred.
When choosing surgeons, make sure to base your decision on qualifications and experience and has performed the procedure enough times to be highly skilled with excellent results.
Before you undergo the procedure, make sure to establish what your post-surgery payments will be and plan for any emergency, such as complications, as it may significantly increase the total cost of the care.
Questions to ask your doctor
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
How soon can I get an appointment?
What types of payments do you accept?
Do I need to have private health insurance?
How much will the surgery cost me after insurance pays its share?
What is the maximum on my insurance policy and will the surgery meet that limit?
What equipment and tests will the insurance cover?
Do I have disability insurance?
How much of my prescription costs after the surgery will be required to pay every month?
How can I save money?
Consider the Tommy John surgery done in an outpatient setting. This greatly reduces the cost since there are no hospital room fees and other hospital charges involved.
Tommy John surgery is much less expensive if you have insurance that covers the procedure. Be sure to ask about the details before deciding to undergo the surgery. If you don’t have insurance, ask about a cash discount or see if the hospital works with those who meet income requirements.
How Much Does a Tonsillectomy Cost?
A tonsillectomy is a procedure that involves removing the tonsils, which is usually done when someone experiences recurrent cases of tonsillitis or strep throat. A tonsillectomy is also performed for those who are suffering from disruptive sleep apnea.
A tonsillectomy is common among children, although adults can receive the procedure at times as well. This is especially true when an adult has sleep problems resulting from enlarged tonsils.
How much does a tonsillectomy cost?
On average, a tonsillectomy can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $11,000 without insurance. The cost generally depends on the age of the patient, the location of the hospital or doctor, professional fees charged by the doctor, the facility, anesthesia fees, and insurance. Most tonsillectomy patients are covered by insurance, especially when the surgery is ordered by the physician.
With insurance, the prices of a tonsillectomy are typically between the $200 and $1,300 from the numbers we researched. The Blue Cross Blue Shield estimator, for example, said the procedure could cost anywhere from $460 at an outpatient center to as much as $5,000+ at a hospital with insurance. These were Blue Cross Blue Shield rates based out of North Carolina. Again, your insurance rates will greatly vary as all policies are so much different.
If you do not have health insurance, major companies, such as eHealthInsurance.com, can help you sort through hundreds of policies.
The Northwest ENT Surgery Center, a surgery center located in Georgia, says a common procedure such as this can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000, even with a cash discount at a hospital factored in. However, at their surgery center, no insurance patients can pay $2,800, and this fee would include the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s fees, equipment, and laboratory services.
Factors that affect the price
Age
The tonsillectomy procedure for children, on average, is less than for adults. The reason is that pediatric tonsillectomy is considerably easier, is less painful, and has lower odds of complications. The difference in price between tonsillectomy for adults and children is about $500.
Fees
The cost of tonsillectomy includes doctors’ fees ($500-$600), anesthesia fees ($600-$700), and facility fees ($1,500-$4,500).
Facility
Where a tonsillectomy is performed also affects the total cost of the procedure. Undergoing it in a hospital often results in higher fees, but the fees can be lower when having the surgery in a licensed ambulatory surgical center. An ambulatory surgical center generally refers to a freestanding licensed ambulatory diagnostic or surgical facility.
Insurance
Patients with insurance pay significantly less than those who undergo tonsillectomy without insurance. In general, the cost depends on the insurance plan and the insurer. Some insurance companies cover the total cost of the procedure, while others cover about 80 percent of the total cost. On average, insured patients pay around $500 while the uninsured ones are charged around $5,500.
Location
A tonsillectomy performed in states where the cost of living is low is usually cheaper than one performed in a state with a higher cost of living. This can be true with any professional service.
Tonsillectomy overview
Before the procedure is even considered, your doctor will first want to explore your medical history, take a physical examination and order separate tests such as a throat culture /strep test, x-ray and/or blood test.
For children, a general anesthetic is always used; however, for an adult, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the throat. The procedure will almost always be performed at an outpatient center, but in some circumstances, some may need to spend the night at the hospital.
During the procedure, the mouth will be held open using a clamp to allow the surgeon full access to the tonsils. The most common type of tool used during the procedure will be a scalpel; however, some surgeons may also use laser technology to cut the tonsils out. Once the tonsils are removed, the surrounding blood vessels will be closed off using a heat-type method and the patient will then be sent off for recovery.
What are the extra costs?
As mentioned prior, all of your pre-operative tests, such as an x-ray throat culture and/or x-ray, can all be an additional cost to consider.
After the tonsillectomy is completed, the doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections and pain relievers to keep the patient comfortable during recovery.
As noted above, the surgeon fee, anesthesiologist, and facility fees can all be separate, depending on the facility billing policy. Before your surgery starts, ask for an itemized bill to know what your quote will include.
An adult tonsillectomy is often going to cost more than a children’s procedure. This is due to the fact that there are fewer complications involved when the procedure is done on children.
A follow-up visit will be necessary a few weeks after the procedure to make sure everything is healing properly.
Tips to know:
The primary risk is bleeding after the surgery has been performed. Approximately one percent of patients who undergo the procedure will experience bleeding to some extent. Aside from bleeding, other risks include dehydration, pain and/or an infection.
After the surgery, the throat will be sore for several days, and in turn, this soreness may or may not affect the sound and volume of your voice. It can also make it hard for someone to eat. According to Cigna, it could take up to 10 days to see a full recovery.
If you have insurance, always make sure the surgical center/hospital and surgeon is in network to avoid out-of-network costs.
How do you know if you need your tonsils removed?
You have chronic sleep issues that may disrupt your sleep.
You experience recurrent tonsillitis caused by either an infection or strep throat.
You have at least five to seven chronic infections within a year.
How can I save money?
Consider having the procedure done in an outpatient setting. When compared to a hospital, an outpatient center will be much less.
Even if you don’t have a health insurance policy, talk with your doctor or surgical center to see if you can either save by paying cash up front, or in some circumstances, you may be able to have the fees waived if you meet certain income requirements.
How Much Does an Apricot Cost?
The apricot is a species of the fruit that is part of the same family as the plum, and many people who eat apricots often compare them to peaches.
Apricots come from the apricot tree, which is about 30 feet tall and is grown in many orchards. The origins of apricots can be traced in China.
How much does an apricot cost?
The cost of apricots depends on several factors. For example, if they are in season, they are likely to be cheaper, but on average, plan on spending anywhere from $3 to $6 per pound at your local grocery store. Dried apricots can cost $7 to $11 per pound, whereas canned apricots can cost much less, often as little as $1.50 to $3 per pound.
The USDA, according to a report published in 2013, said the price of fresh apricots was $3.04 per pound, while dried apricots average $7.73 per pound.
Whole Turkish apricots on Amazon.com, for example, retail for close to $6 per pound.
Factors that affect the price
Time
The prices for both fresh and processed apricots have decreased over time. In 1996, for instance, apricots cost $1,253 per ton, but his amount decreased to $615 per ton in 2004 for fresh apricots and $256 per ton for processed ones. The average price then was around $346.
Season
The time of year can greatly affect the cost of an apricot, much like it does other fruits and vegetables. The apricot season in the United States is from May through AAugust. In the winter, most of the fruit will come from South America.
Type
An organic apricot, for instance, will always be more expensive than non-organic.
Source
You can buy apricots from a grocery store, a special organic store or a local farmers market.
Apricot overview
The apricot can benefit the body in different ways. They are low in calories but are also high in fiber and are packed with many vitamins and minerals. Apricots also have high levels of Vitamins A and C as well as carotenes and antioxidants.
Apricots are naturally sweet, tangy and can be eaten fresh or prepared as part of a dish or dessert.
The apricot is generally a hard fruit that is not very juicy. Most people like to eat the fruit like you would an apple or else cut it up to put it in a recipe or dish. The apricot contains one large seed inside, which can easily be eaten around, or if the apricot is cut in half, it can simply be taken out.
This fruit is commonly used for making sweet treats such as pies, tarts, jams, and even used as a side dish or an additional ingredient.
Tips to know:
Apricots help prevent cancer since they are high in antioxidants. As such, they help to fight free radicals that cause cancer. Apricots are also rich in vitamin C which helps strengthen the body’s immunity against diseases such as cancer.
Apricots are rich in beta carotene which helps keep the heart in good condition.
They have high fiber content which is good for cleansing the colon and maintaining body weight. Fiber helps in the metabolism process of the body. Those who desire to lose weight can incorporate apricots in their diet.
They keep the eyes healthy being rich in vitamin A and carotenoids.
They help prevent anemia, being a good source of iron and copper.
They help relieve skin diseases such as eczema and scabies.
When choosing one, always look for one with a rich orange color and avoid those that are either yellow or pale looking. The fruits, when you hold them, should slightly soft. If firm, this simply means they are have not ripened since being picked.
OrganicFacts.net says an apricot can help with constipation, your bone health, heart, metabolism, ear aches, fevers, skin disorders, anemia, cancer and even asthma.
How can I save money?
Consider keeping your eyes peeled for special sales or promotions.
Buy from local farmers markets. In addition to helping the production in your area, you will probably pay less. The reason for this is that there is no middle-man to mark up the price.
