An Overview of Back Surgery Costs
Back surgery is recommended when other non-surgical treatments are ineffective. If you have tried all other options but are still suffering from pain, back surgery may be an option. It is likely that you are asking yourself, “How much does back surgery cost?” In case you need to have surgery, here is an overview on the cost of various procedures. Please note that prices will vary according to where you are located, what your insurance covers, and the type of surgery.
For patients who do not have health insurance, a laminectomy to treat spinal stenosis can be expensive at between $50,000 and $90,000. If recommended by your doctor, back surgery can be covered by most health insurance plans. Most insurance plans will cover back surgery. Medicare will typically cover it. Patients covered by insurance will pay a copayment of 10-40% of the procedure. That would make the total out-of-pocket cost $200-$2,000.
A herniated-disc procedure that isn’t covered by insurance costs generally between $20,000 and $50,000. That includes the fees of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, facility fee and facility fee. A minimally invasive outpatient Microdiscectomy would usually fall on one end, while an inpatient Open Dissection with a hospitalization would be on another. A herniated spine procedure is generally covered by health insurance, provided it is ordered by a doctor. Assuming the deductible has been met by patients, the typical out-of-pocket cost for covered patients would include a co–insurance payment of between 10-40% of the procedure. That amounts to about $2,000 total, subject to the annual maximum.
Spinal fusions are available for patients who do not have health insurance. They can treat spinal conditions such as slipped vertebrae, or other instability. The average cost is between $80,000 and $150,000, with some cases even higher. High-end titanium implants will be used instead of bone from a donor. This surgery is typically more expensive. The procedure costs approximately $5,000, depending on which insurance you have.
These are the typical costs
- For patients who don’t have health insurance, herniated-disc surgery can run between $20,000 and $50,000. That includes the facility fee, surgeon fee, anesthesiologist fee and facility fees. A minimally invasive outpatient Microdiscectomy would normally fall on one end while an inpatient Open Discectomy with a Hospital Stay would be on another.
- If the procedure is ordered by a doctor, herniated disc surgeries are usually covered by your health insurance. According to research most insurance plans cover spinal surgery.
- Patients covered by insurance will pay coinsurance equal to 10-40% of the procedure. That would make the total out-of–pocket cost $2,000 or more.
Additional Back Surgery Fees
- A majority of patients require two to six week recovery time after surgery. It is possible that you will not be able to work during this time.
- PMA brace for back can sometimes be required. It can cost $200 and up.
- The typical cost for physical therapy is between $50 and $100, which can easily add to the total costs by adding $1,000.
- The most common prescription for pain medication after surgery is for equipment like a walker. It can range from $50 to $100.
Is it possible to afford a slipped discectomy?
The first thing you do when you feel the pain is slipping discs is to try to make it go away as quickly and painlessly as possible. If you do start to think about possible treatments, particularly in the event of an emergency, you may be concerned about the cost. The good news: if you have medical insurance, you should not be concerned about the cost of slipped disc surgery.
Insurance
Slippery disc surgery is a costly procedure. With health insurance, minimally invasive procedures (like discectomy), are usually covered. This is because discectomy, the most popular procedure to treat slipped discs, is the most common. This makes it cheaper, and patients only need to pay their deductibles and coinsurance. While this varies depending upon the insurance plan, it is generally a fraction the price of a typical procedure. Additionally, coinsurance drastically lowers the out of pocket cost.
Peace of mind
How long have you been experiencing back pain? The physical side effects of back pain can cause emotional problems as well. “Chronic pain worsens when your body is more sensitive to it. It can make you feel tired and disrupt your sleep, which can lead to you waking up at night. It can also make you less productive and tired during the day.
“Continued pain can cause irritation that makes it harder to work with others. You may feel overwhelmed if you have to take care of children or work full time. These feelings can lead depression, irritability, and even suicide.
The worst part is that depression can worsen your pain, which can lead to a vicious cycle. Slippery disc surgery is a procedure that can solve the physical problem. It will allow you to live pain free, which can lift your mood, and address any depression you might have felt.
Lifestyle cost
Is your slipped disc preventing you or your child from having fun with them, as well as spending time with family, friends, and loved ones? Are you missing work or attending important events? You may find yourself unable to participate in your chosen activities due to a prolonged injury. You may also feel more depressed if you are isolated. Slippery disc surgery costs are negligible compared to the potential harm to your well being.
Costs to your health
Do you avoid treatment for a slipped disc because of fear or cost? If so, you should think about what delay could do to your body. It is obvious that the longer you wait for treatment, the more you’ll suffer. The problem isn’t just with prolonged pain. The pain that a slipped disc causes to a nerve can be very severe, especially if the nerve is the sciatic nerve. Sciatica symptoms include numbness or tingling, pain in the back and pins in your legs.
A slipped disc can also lead in rare cases to dangerous conditions called cauda mare syndrome. “Cauda equina, a rare disorder affecting a bundle (lumbar) of nerve roots, is a medical emergency.” “Cauda equina” refers to a condition in which the nerve roots at the lumbar spine get compressed. This results in a loss of sensation and movement. Nerve roots which control bladder and bowel function are especially susceptible to damage. Cauda Equina Syndrome patients should not wait to seek immediate relief from the pressure. It can cause permanent paralysis and impaired bladder and/or intestinal control as well loss of sexual pleasure.