An Overview of Back Surgery Costs

Back surgery is typically recommended only when non-surgical treatments have failed to relieve symptoms. If you have exhausted all other options and you are having chronic pain, you may start to wonder if back surgery is for you. One of the first questions on your mind is most likely, how much will a back surgery cost? Here is an overview of the costs of several different procedures in case you may need to have a surgery performed. Please be advised that the prices can differ depending on your location, insurance, and type of surgery.

Typical Costs of Back Surgeries

For patients not covered by health insurance, a laminectomy, typically used to treat spinal stenosis typically costs $50,000 to $90,000. Fortunately, back surgery is covered by most health insurance plans if recommended by a doctor. Most insurance plans will cover spinal surgery and Medicare will generally cover back surgery. For patients covered by insurance, assuming the deductible has been met, typical out-of-pocket costs would consist of a co-insurance payment of between 10 and 40 percent of the procedure, for a total of $200 to $2,000 or more, up to the yearly out of pocket maximum.

A herniated disc procedure not covered by health insurance generally costs between $20,000 and $50,000 including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesiologist, and facility fee. A minimally invasive outpatient microdiscectomy would typically fall on the lower end of the scale while an inpatient open discectomy with a hospital stay would fall on the higher end. A herniated disc surgery is typically covered by health insurance if ordered by a doctor. For patients covered by insurance, assuming the deductible has been met, typical out-of-pocket costs would consist of a co-insurance payment of between 10 and 40 percent of the procedure, for a total of approximately $2,000, up to the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

For patients not covered by health insurance, a spinal fusion, typically used to treat conditions such as a slipped vertebrae or other spinal instability, typically costs between $80,000 to $150,000 and sometimes even higher! A surgery in which high-end titanium implants are used instead of a donor’s bone will typically be more expensive. Fortunately, depending on your insurance, the procedure would be approximately $5,000.

Additional Back Surgery Costs

In addition to surgery, most patients require two to six weeks of recovery time so you may need to factor in the time that you would not be able to work.
A back brace, which is sometimes required, can cost $200 or more.
Physical therapy is typically $50 to $100 or more per session can easily add $1,000 or more to the overall costs.
Pain medication will most likely be prescribed after surgery and other equipment, such as a walker, ranges from $50 to $100.

If you believe you need back surgery, here is a list of the insurances we accept. If you’re having chronic back pain, call board certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Kushwaha.

To learn more about his procedures or to schedule an appointment please call, (713) 587-6263.