What To Consider When Calculating Your Spinal Stenosis Surgery Cost

Spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal, can cause the nerves to be compressed, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. In severe cases, spinal stenosis can get progressively worse and threaten your mobility and long-term health. Most cases of spinal stenosis are relatively mild and don't require surgery, but if symptoms are severe or the condition doesn't respond to treatment, then spinal stenosis surgery might be necessary. Below, we'll explore what to consider when calculating your spinal stenosis surgery cost.

Laser vs. Open Spine Surgery 

One of the biggest factors that determines the cost of spinal stenosis surgery is whether you undergo laser or open spine surgery. Open spine surgery is the more traditional option; it's performed in the hospital, and patients stay in the hospital for at least a few days after surgery. The recovery period is longer, and the surgery itself takes longer to perform.

In contrast, laser spine surgery is performed in an outpatient setting, with no hospital stay and a shorter recovery time. Because of these factors, laser spine surgery may be less expensive than open spine surgery; but patients should keep in mind that the procedure requires a high-tech, carefully maintained equipment.

Extent of Procedure

There are many different spinal stenosis conditions, ranging from herniated discs to scoliosis to spinal tumors; and spinal stenosis can affect just one part of the spine, or several. If doctors have to operate on a very complex condition, deal with scar tissues or the effects of previous surgeries, or operate on more than one part of the spine, the surgery will be accordingly costlier. 

Your Insurance

Your insurance coverage is perhaps the single biggest factor in what you pay out of pocket for surgery. If you have a high deductible and copay, and haven't yet used much of this year's deductible, you may face relatively high costs; conversely, if you have a low deductible, you might pay very little. Therefore, it's important to know what your insurance covers and how it works as you go through the process of setting up spinal stenosis surgery.

The best way to get an idea of what to expect for spinal stenosis surgery cost is to meet with a surgeon, who will have a better idea of your case. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.