Level 1 ER visit cost in Chicago, IL
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, 50 hospitals list a cash price for emergency room visit, level 1 of 5, minor problem that may not need a doctor: from $62.50 to $1,177.40, with a median of $172.86. The lowest listed price is at Advocate South Suburban Hospital and 10 other hospitals — $110.36 less than the median here. Across Illinois, the median is $165.60 at 63 hospitals.
Cash prices at 50 facilities across 37 cities for code 99281, as an outpatient — the setting a self-pay patient normally buys. Collected Sep 23, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Mar 17, 2025 and Sep 1, 2026.
Lowest$62.50Advocate South Suburban Hospital + 10 more
Median$172.86half pay less
Highest$1,177.40in this market
Difference18.8×highest vs lowest
Where each hospital's price falls
Each dot is one hospital's cash price on a scale from the lowest to the highest in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN.
median
Lowest $62.50Highest $1,177.40
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list | File date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital lowest Hazel Crest, IL ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge lowest Park Ridge, IL ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital lowest Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital lowest Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital lowest Elgin, IL · (847) 742-9800 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$724.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn lowest Oak Lawn, IL ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn lowest Oak Lawn, IL ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital lowest Barrington, IL · (847) 381-9600 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital lowest Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center lowest Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$724.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital lowest Hazel Crest, IL ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center lowest Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital lowest Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge lowest Park Ridge, IL ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center lowest Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center lowest Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital lowest Downers Grove, IL · (630) 275-5900 ED TRIAGE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center lowest Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 ED TRIAGE TELEMEDICINE | $62.50 | $125.00 | $49.25–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Humboldt Park Health Chicago, IL · (773) 292-8200 Emergency department visit for problem that may not require health care professional | $66.74 | $238.35 | $238.35 | 72% | Aug 24, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook one side Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook one side Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange one side La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks one side Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale one side Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks one side Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange one side La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale one side Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT LEFT BEFORE SEEING PROVIDER | $75.00 | $300.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Mercy Medical Center Aurora, IL · (630) 859-2222 ED LEVEL 1 | $89.00 | $522.00 | $11.90–$522.00 | 83% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| Saint Francis Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 316-4000 HC ED LEVEL 1 | $89.00 | $473.00 | $12.39–$468.00 | 81% | Sep 1, 2026 source file |
| Porter-Starke Services Valparaiso, IN · (219) 531-3500 Inpatient Psychiatrist or Nurse Practioner ER Consult - Level 1 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $21.19–$33.30 | — | — source file |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 ED Visit Level I | $104.50 | $550.00 | $85.36–$682.00 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 HC ED Visit Level I W/Procedure (Mod 25) | $104.50 | $550.00 | $133.10–$401.50 | 81% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 ED Visit Level I | $126.50 | $550.00 | $176.55–$579.70 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 HC ED Visit Level I W/Procedure (Mod 25) | $126.50 | $550.00 | $176.55–$579.70 | 77% | Mar 31, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISIT LEVEL 1 | $130.00 | $520.00 | — | 75% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Community First Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 282-7000 Emergency department visit for problem that may not require health care professional | $148.75 | $297.50 | $81.22–$1,875.00 | 50% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| La Rabida Children's Hospital|LaRabida Childrens Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 363-6700 MINIMAL, EM. CARE EST PATIENT | $154.55 | $154.55 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago Chicago, IL · (773) 665-3000 HC EMERGENCY DEPT VISIT - LEVEL 1 | $156.09 | $473.00 | $44.55–$65.88 | 67% | — source file |
| Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago Chicago, IL · (773) 665-3000 HC OB ED VISIT - LEVEL 1 | $156.09 | $473.00 | $44.55–$65.88 | 67% | — source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 CHED 99281 - Level 1 BCE | $167.71 | $493.26 | $28.32–$967.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 99281 - Level 1 | $167.71 | $493.26 | $28.32–$967.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Edward Hospital Naperville, IL · (630) 527-3000 EH PR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 W PROCED | $178.00 | $178.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Elmhurst, IL · (331) 221-1000 EH PR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 W PROCED | $178.00 | $178.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Elmhurst, IL · (331) 221-1000 EH PR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 | $178.00 | $178.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Edward Hospital Naperville, IL · (630) 527-3000 EH PR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 | $178.00 | $178.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 CHED 99281 - Level 1 BCE | $182.77 | $537.55 | $28.32–$967.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 99281 - Level 1 | $182.77 | $537.55 | $28.32–$967.00 | 66% | Mar 17, 2025 source file |
| La Rabida Children's Hospital|LaRabida Childrens Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 363-6700 FOCUSED-INIT | $192.06 | $192.06 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital Elgin, IL · (847) 742-9800 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $125.45–$724.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$724.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Downers Grove, IL · (630) 275-5900 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Barrington, IL · (847) 381-9600 ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn Oak Lawn, IL ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, IL ED DOA | $192.50 | $385.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital Elgin, IL · (847) 742-9800 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $125.45–$724.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Downers Grove, IL · (630) 275-5900 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, IL ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$724.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn Oak Lawn, IL ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Barrington, IL · (847) 381-9600 ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL ED LEVEL 1 | $195.00 | $390.00 | $133.09–$796.00 | 50% | Nov 4, 2025 source file |
| The Methodist Hospitals Gary, IN · (219) 886-4000 HC ER Level I Screen Mcd | $217.70 | $311.00 | $14.62–$421.87 | 30% | — source file |
| The Methodist Hospitals Merrillville, IN HC ER Level I Screen Mcd | $217.70 | $311.00 | $14.62–$421.87 | 30% | — source file |
| The Methodist Hospitals Gary, IN · (219) 886-4000 ER Visit Level I | $244.30 | $349.00 | $0.01–$1,187.00 | 30% | — source file |
| The Methodist Hospitals Merrillville, IN ER Visit Level I | $244.30 | $349.00 | $0.01–$1,187.00 | 30% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Glenbrook Hospital Glenview, IL ER Visit Level 1 | $286.00 | $440.00 | $59.40–$240.24 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Skokie Hospital Skokie, IL ER Visit Level 1 | $286.00 | $440.00 | $59.40–$240.24 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Evanston Hospital Evanson, IL · (847) 570-2000 ER Visit Level 1 | $286.00 | $440.00 | $59.40–$240.24 | 35% | — source file |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Highland Park Hospital Highland Park, IL ER Visit Level 1 | $286.00 | $440.00 | $59.40–$240.24 | 35% | — source file |
| Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Lake Forest, IL · (847) 234-5600 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $380.80 | $544.00 | $94.79–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital Sandwich, IL · (815) 786-8484 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $380.80 | $544.00 | $108.49–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital McHenry, IL · (815) 344-5000 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $380.80 | $544.00 | $110.20–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Emergency Room Elopement- Mse Performed | $383.00 | $383.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| La Rabida Children's Hospital|LaRabida Childrens Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 363-6700 ER LEVEL 1 PROBLEM FOCUSED | $393.20 | $393.20 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| La Rabida Children's Hospital|LaRabida Childrens Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 363-6700 NON-EMERG/EXAM | $393.20 | $393.20 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital Wheaton, IL HB ED Visit Level 1 | $399.70 | $571.00 | $239.82–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Winfield, IL · (630) 682-1600 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $399.70 | $571.00 | $39.40–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwest Community Hospital Arlington Heights, IL · (847) 618-1000 Hb Ed E&M Level 1 | $435.00 | $435.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Chicago, IL · (312) 227-4000 H ED LEVEL 1 VISIT - LOW (99281) | $458.50 | $655.00 | $111.35–$4,250.00 | 30% | — source file |
| Endeavor Health Clinical Operations Highland Park, IL HB ER VISIT LEVEL 1 | $462.00 | $462.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Swedish Covenant Health Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8200 HB ER VISIT LEVEL 1 | $462.00 | $462.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 570-2000 HB ER VISIT LEVEL 1 | $462.00 | $462.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, IL · (708) 333-2300 Hc Emergency Room Elopement- Mse Performed | $485.00 | $485.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Uchicago Medicine Northwest Indiana Crown Point, IN · (312) 755-4706 HC EMERGENCY ROOM PROBLEM FOCUSED VISIT | $485.00 | $485.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, IL · (708) 333-2300 Hc Emergency Room Problem Focused Visit | $485.00 | $485.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| La Rabida Children's Hospital|LaRabida Childrens Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 363-6700 DCFS EXAM | $523.89 | $523.89 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Elmhurst, IL · (331) 221-1000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 | $593.00 | $593.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Edward Hospital Naperville, IL · (630) 527-3000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 | $593.00 | $593.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Edward Hospital Naperville, IL · (630) 527-3000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 W PROCED | $593.00 | $593.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Elmhurst, IL · (331) 221-1000 HC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT LEVEL 1 W PROCED | $593.00 | $593.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Emergency Room Problem Focused Visit | $806.00 | $806.00 | — | — | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Palos Community Hospital Palos Heights, IL · (708) 923-4000 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $979.30 | $1,399.00 | $91.36–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital DeKalb, IL · (815) 756-1521 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $1,032.50 | $1,475.00 | $104.49–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
| Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Geneva, IL · (630) 208-3000 HB ED Visit Level 1 | $1,177.40 | $1,682.00 | $85.08–$571.00 | 30% | Apr 1, 2026 source file |
Outpatient: lowest $62.50, median $172.86, highest $1,177.40 — a 18.8× difference within the same market.
As an inpatient, the same code is billed by 34 facilities here, median $151.65. Inpatient and outpatient prices are not comparable and are kept on separate pages: the inpatient charge covers admission, not the same purchase.
Cash or insurance?
At 27 of 36 hospitals that publish insurer rates for this code here, the cash price is below the highest rate a health plan has negotiated, and at 2 it is below every plan's rate. If you have insurance but have not met your deductible, you usually pay your plan's negotiated rate, which falls somewhere in the "Insurers pay" column. Paying cash can cost less, but a cash payment usually does not count toward your deductible. Ask the hospital for both numbers before you book.
What it is
This is the lowest of five emergency department visit levels, used for a minor problem that needs little care. Since 2023 this level may apply even when no physician or similar clinician needs to see the patient. The level is assigned after the visit: doctors pick it by the complexity of their medical decision making, and hospitals pick the facility level by the care and resources used, so a patient cannot choose it in advance.
What the price covers
The hospital price for this code is the facility fee for the ER visit. The emergency physician bills separately, and lab tests, imaging, medicines and procedures are added on top.
1 row held back from this comparison
It is priced below $1 or below a tenth of the national median for code 99281 ($206.40). Such a line is almost always a physician's fee billed separately, an assistant's share or a placeholder — a real charge, but not the price of the procedure itself.
| Humboldt Park Health Chicago, ILEmergency department visit for problem that may not require health care professional | $19.70 | file |