Medical Rates in 1845

Shortly after the founding of St. Joseph in 1843, local physicians agreed upon a card of rates which they each agreed to charge for various medical services. This provides an interesting example of the costs and types of services provided by the medical profession in 1845.

  • For a visit within one mile and prescription (day) $1
  • For each succeeding mile $0.50
  • For same services at night, double price $1
  • For visit in town and prescription $1
  • For visit at night $2
  • For medicine in all cases charge extra
  • For attendance whole night $5
  • For consultation $5
  • For a simple case of midwifery $5
  • For a case of twins $10
  • For difficult cases, fee in proportion to difficulty
  • For necessary attention, after four hours, per hour $0.25
  • For bleeding $0.50
  • For extracting teeth $0.50
  • For cupping $1 to $2
  • For blisters, large size $0.75
  • For blisters, medium size $0.50
  • For advice and prescription at office $1
  • For administering enema $1
  • For setting fracture of upper extremities $5 to $10
  • For setting fracture of lower extremities $10 to $20
  • For dislocation of upper extremities $5 to $10
  • For dislocation of lower extremities $10 to $20
  • For amputating fingers and toes, each $5
  • For amputating forearm $15
  • For amputating arm $10
  • For amputating leg $20
  • For amputating thigh $25
  • For extirpating tumors $2.50 to $10
  • For opening abscess $0.50
  • For vaccination $0.50