Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Burn Treatment Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Burn (minor) | $150 – $400 | $35 – $100 |
| Second-Degree Burn (small area) | $250 – $800 | $60 – $200 |
| Second-Degree Burn (large area) | $500 – $2,000 | $125 – $400 |
| Burn Dressing Change (follow-up) | $75 – $250 | $15 – $60 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 16020
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as outpatient or emergency treatment; severity determines cost
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Minor burn treatment at urgent care costs $150-$400 including the visit, wound care, and dressing. More serious second-degree burns cost $500-$2,000. Severe burns requiring the ER or burn center can cost $10,000-$100,000+.
Seek medical care for burns larger than 3 inches, burns on the face/hands/feet/joints, second-degree burns with blisters, all third-degree burns, electrical or chemical burns, and burns in children or elderly patients.
Yes. Urgent care can treat first-degree and small second-degree burns. They will clean the burn, apply topical medication (silvadene), dress the wound, prescribe pain medication, and schedule follow-up. Severe burns should go to the ER.