How much this varies

73 hospitals across 2 states publish prices for this procedure. Because costs, quality, and insurance networks vary by market, pick your state below to see what hospitals in your area charge.

Emergency room prices vary dramatically because every ER visit carries a facility fee — a charge just for walking through the door — on top of the actual treatment. These facility fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for the same severity level, based on the hospital's cost structure and patient mix. Level of care also matters: ERs classify visits from Level 1 (basic) to Level 5 (critical), and the classification is somewhat subjective, which is why the same symptoms can be billed very differently at different hospitals. If your situation is urgent but not a true emergency, an urgent care clinic or freestanding ER often costs significantly less. If it's not life-threatening, check whether an urgent care nearby is open before heading to a hospital ER.

Pricing by state

Prices vary by state. Select your state to see hospitals near you.

Where do you need this done?

Select your area and we'll show you every hospital's price, quality rating, and insurance rate.

Don't see your area? We're expanding to new cities. In the meantime, these prices can still help — call your hospital's billing department and ask: "What is your cash price for er visit level 5 (critical)?" Then compare it to the range above.

Common questions

How much does er visit level 5 (critical) cost?

Prices vary significantly by state. Pick your state below to see the range in your market. Across the 2 states we cover, 73 hospitals publish prices for this procedure. Prices also vary by insurance plan and whether you pay cash or use insurance.

Which hospital is cheapest for er visit level 5 (critical)?

The cheapest hospital depends on where you live. Prices vary significantly between markets, and most patients can't realistically travel across states for a procedure. Select your state and city above to see the lowest-priced hospitals near you.

Why do hospitals charge different prices for the same er visit level 5 (critical)?

Hospital prices vary based on ownership type, location, negotiated insurance rates, and facility overhead. The CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule requires every hospital to publish all prices, making these differences visible for the first time.

Data compiled by HospitalCost from 17 federal sources including CMS Hospital Price Transparency files, Hospital Compare, HCAHPS, and Medicare Cost Reports. Updated April 2026.