Copperhead bites may require antivenom. Here’s how much it might cost in NC in 2024
We’re a few weeks into the sweltering season, and our region’s hospitals have already treated dozens of snake bites.
“I get excited for snake season, because it has that correlation with spring. But I don’t get excited about all the bites,” Dr. Ben German, emergency physician and snake expert with WakeMed, told The News & Observer this spring.
UNC Health, Duke Health and WakeMed have collectively treated at least 62 bites this year, spokespeople for each hospital told us this week, noting treatment numbers are on par with previous years — but they’ll soon ramp up.
Throughout the summer, hospitals will start to see three to four snakebite patients each week, Duke Health’s emergency medical specialist and snake bite expert Dr. Charles Gerardo told The N&O last year.
Most bites here come from copperheads, the most prevalent venomous snake in our area.
Envenomations sometimes, but not always, require antivenom, which can potentially cost a pretty penny. But international snake bite experts who treat patients at Triangle hospitals want to make one message clear: Always seek care.
“Costs aside, purely medically speaking, the risk-to-benefit ratio clearly favors treatment, even for mild bites,” Gerardo has said. “Some people say, ‘Because of the cost, I’m going to wait and see if it progresses.’ There’s good evidence that the vast majority of the time, early treatment is better.”
We talked to emergency medical professionals and billing experts at Triangle hospitals to understand how much antivenom costs this year.
How much does antivenom cost in 2024?
Costs vary by hospital. Each healthcare group offers financial assistance programs to help with the cost of care, including for antivenom treatments. (More on that below.)
• Duke Health: The list price for one vial of antivenom is $9,760.53.
“However, like any medication or health service, factors like insurance, ability to pay and charity care are all considered before a patient is billed. As a result, a patient’s out-of-pocket cost for an antivenom medication would be significantly below the market price,” news director Sarah Avery said this summer.
• UNC Health: The list price ranges from $47,000 to $77,000 for the initial dose of four to six vials.
“Most insurance plans cover antivenom treatment, and uninsured patients are able to work with our financial navigators for assistance with payment programs that result in a significantly discounted cost,” communications director Alan Wolf said this summer.
• WakeMed: The list price for one vial ranges from $11,000 to $14,000.
“As always, the term ‘charges’ is not interchangeable with ‘payments’ as charges do not reflect the out-of-pocket or co-pay cost that a patient is ultimately expected to cover. A patient’s financial responsibility depends on several factors, including how much CroFab antivenom is needed; the patient’s co-payment, co-insurance and deductible obligations; maximum out-of-pocket responsibility and whether the insurer contracts with WakeMed and the details of its negotiated discount,” marketing and communications specialist Kristin Kelly said this summer.
Does insurance cover antivenom treatments?
Yes. Blue Cross Blue Shield, North Carolina’s largest insurance provider, covers copperhead snake bite care and the antivenom, as do most carriers.
It’s typically considered emergency care. Co-pays and deductibles are calculated according to a member’s plan.
Blue Cross declined to share recent examples of hospital bills compared to out-of-pocket patient costs after receiving bite care, citing privacy concerns.
Why are snakebites so expensive to treat?
Emergency care physicians say snake bite care can be so expensive because patients might also need:
• Strong pain medication: Copperhead bites can come with “impressively severe pain,” German told The N&O last year. Your tissue gets attacked and destroyed by the snake’s venom, and it often requires strong pain medication on top of antivenom.
• Overnight visit(s): A venomous snake bite is at its worst between the 24 and 48 hour mark, German said. You likely need to stay in the hospital for treatment and observation for one full night, but you might need one or two more.
• Labwork: X-rays and other additional testing can contribute to your hefty hospital bill, German said.
“The cost that the patient actually pays can vary widely depending on their health insurance status. This holds true for any emergency department visit. There are multiple factors at play, including the type of insurance and the deductibles,” German said.
“Since antivenom is an emergency medication, health insurance generally has to cover it the same way as any other emergency treatment. But again, depending on multiple factors, the amount that the patient actually pays in the end can differ from person to person.”
Do hospitals have discounts, financial assistance for antivenom treatments?
Yes. Here’s where you can find information on financial assistance programs, designed help many patients who are unable to pay (or uninsured) handle their medical bills:
• UNC Health: unchealth.org/records-insurance/financial-assistance-programs.
• Duke Health: dukehealth.org/paying-for-care/financial-assistance
• WakeMed: wakemed.org/patients-and-visitors/billing-and-insurance/financial-assistance
How much will I have to pay out of pocket for antivenom and treatment?
Much less than the market price, all hospitals say.
The N&O spoke to three families who experienced snake bites in recent summers to learn what treatment they received and how much they had to pay.
Their out-of-pocket expenses ranged from $0 to about $8,100 depending on how much antivenom they received, how long they were in the hospital and their insurance policies.
How to avoid snake bites in NC
The short version of copperhead best practices include:
Keep a sharp eye open for snakes while outside.
Watch where you step (especially when wearing sandals or flip-flops).
Wear gloves when reaching into weeds, bushes or pine straw.
Keep a much closer watch on nosy dogs who might poke their snouts into spots where copperheads like to rest.
If you see one, leave it alone.
“The best way to avoid an unpleasant encounter with a snake is keeping an eye open for them wherever there is suitable habitat, and giving any snake you do encounter plenty of space,” Falyn Owens, wildlife biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, previously told The N&O.
What to do if bitten by a snake, copperhead
IF YOU HAVE BEEN BITTEN BY A SNAKE, YOU SHOULD:
Sit down and stay calm.
Gently wash the bite area with warm, soapy water.
Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite site.
Keep the bitten area still, if possible, and raise it to heart level.
Call the NC Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
Note: If a snakebite victim is having chest pain, difficulty breathing, face swelling or has lost consciousness, call 911 immediately.
IF BITTEN BY A SNAKE, YOU SHOULD NOT:
Cut the bitten area to try to drain the venom. This can worsen the injury.
Ice the area. Icing causes additional tissue damage.
Apply a tourniquet or any tight bandage. It’s actually better for the venom to flow through the body than for it to stay in one area.
Suck on the bite or use a suction device to try to remove the venom.
Attempt to catch or kill the snake.
(Source: NC Poison Control)
This story was originally published June 12, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Copperhead bites may require antivenom. Here’s how much it might cost in NC in 2024."
