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

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.