Medical Rates in 1845

 

Lake Contrary
Joseph Robidoux
Previous Mayors
Twin Spires
Jesse James
Jesse James Home
Pony Express
Patee House
Medical Rates in 1845
Mayor's Annual Message in 1897
The Earthquake of 1867

Brief City History

 

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 a century and a half ago.

 

For a visit within one mile and prescription (day) $1.00
For each succeeding mile .50
For same services at night, double price 1.00
For visit in town and prescription 1.00
For visit at night 2.00
For medicine in all cases charge extra  
For attendance whole night 5.00
For consultation 5.00
For a simple case of midwifery 5.00
For a case of twins 10.00
For difficult cases, fee in proportion to difficulty  
For necessary attention, after four hours, per hour .25
For bleeding .50
For extracting teeth .50
For cupping 1.00 to 2.00
For blisters, large size .75
For blisters, medium size .50
For advice and prescription at office 1.00
For administering enema 1.00
For setting fracture of upper extremities 5.00 to 10.00
For setting fracture of lower extremities 10.00 to 20.00
For dislocation of upper extremities 5.00 to 10.00
For dislocation of lower extremities 10.00 to 20.00
For amputating fingers and toes, each 5.00
For amputating forearm 15.00
For amputating arm 10.00
For amputating leg 20.00
For amputating thigh 25.00
For extirpating tumors 2.50 to 10.00
For opening abscess .50
For vaccination .50