When the Trikester was born last Thanksgiving, we weren’t thinking about how much his delivery cost – I was too focused on the back labor to consider ANYTHING other than survival. Now, six months later, I’ve had time to look at the hospital bills and our insurance reimbursement.

Getting to know each other in the hospital

I’ve already blogged about our hospital experience – it wasn’t plush or luxurious, but it was plenty adequate. We delivered at the only hospital north of NYC with a level 3 NICU, so there was plenty of great care available, should we need it.

I’m sure I’m not the only one that struggles to figure out medical billing – stuff is crazy complicated! There were multiple bills – a “facilities” bill from the hospital, and then separate bills from each doctor we saw during our stay. I had a vaginal delivery, with an epidural and no complications. We spent 1 night in the hospital following the Trikester’s birth. After some research, here’s the breakdown of our costs (the best I can figure):

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My Hospital Bill:

  • 2 days in a semi-private room after delivery (called “Maternity Care” on my hospital bill)- $3,052.00
  • Anesthesia – $197.00
  • Labor/Delivery – $2078.00
  • Medical/Surgical Supplies (the infamous mesh underwear?) – $70.00
  • Lab – $276.00
  • Pharmacy – $233.52
  • Other Diagnostic Services (no clue what this is) – $464.00
  • Nursing – $50.00

Note: My total bill from the hospital was $6420.52 — the national average in 2010 for a vaginal delivery without complications was $10,166.00 — compared to that number, mine was a bargain!

My Midwife Bill:

  • Midwife at delivery – $3500.00

My Anesthesiologist Bill:

  • Epidural placement – $2772.00

My TOTAL: $12,876.04

The Trikester’s Hospital Bill:

  • 1 day of newborn care – $1526.00
  • Lab – $62.00

The Trikester’s Doctor Visits in the Hospital:

  • 2 pediatrician visits in the nursery – $239.00
  • Hearing exam – $160.00

The Trikester’s TOTAL: $1,987.00

The GRAND TOTAL: $14,863.04

Holy-moly that’s a lot of money! I’m so grateful for our health insurance, as I paid $0.00 out of pocket.

Was your hospital bill comparable?