U.S. Tick Bite ER Visits Hit Highest Rate Since 2019 as Some Patients Face $1,500 Bills
Updated
Updated · WCAX · Jun 23
U.S. Tick Bite ER Visits Hit Highest Rate Since 2019 as Some Patients Face $1,500 Bills
1 articles · Updated · WCAX · Jun 23
Summary
CDC data show U.S. emergency-room visits for tick bites are running at their highest rate since 2019, with the Northeast seeing the most cases.
More patients are also questioning costs after large bills for tick-borne illness care, including one Vermont patient charged more than $1,500.
Vermont clinicians said most attached ticks should be removed right away at home, and people usually do not need urgent care unless they develop unusual symptoms such as red streaking or signs of infection.
Lyme disease and anaplasmosis—the two most common tick-borne illnesses in Vermont—can both be treated with generic doxycycline for about $20 over 10 days.
Testing prices vary sharply by setting, with one urgent care charging $50, commercial labs about $100 and emergency rooms the costliest option; providers urged patients to ask about out-of-pocket pricing.