Which Back Surgery Costs Are Covered By Insurance

If you suffer from a back condition, your doctor may recommend surgery as the most effective treatment. It is understandable to be concerned about the cost of back surgery. Fortunately, insurance does cover back surgery, and most patients are able to cover the cost of back surgery, either on their own or with the help of financing. 

Factors Influencing Cost

A variety of factors influence the cost of any particular procedure. Some of the most influential factors include:

• Type of surgery - Surgeries that are longer or more complex require more time and resources and therefore cost more. Open spine surgery on several parts of the spine will cost significantly more than minimally invasive surgery on just one part of the spine.
• Length of hospital stay - Staying in the hospital is costly, but necessary for open spine surgery. The longer the hospital stay, the higher the costs associated with the surgery.
• Local cost of living - In areas where the cost of living is higher, it costs more for doctors and hospitals to operate. As a result, the cost of treatment is also higher.
• Market fluctuations - Fluctuations in the cost of medication and materials can impact your back surgery cost.

Insurance Coverage

Back surgery is only recommended when it is the best choice for treating a spine problem. As a result, insurance does cover back surgery in most cases. Your out of pocket costs will depend primarily on your insurance plan. If you have a high deductible, you may pay for a significant portion of the surgery out of pocket. If your deductible is lower, the immediate cost may be much more affordable.

Managing the Cost of Back Surgery

If your deductible is low, you may be able to pay your portion of the costs immediately with no issues. If your deductible is higher, you may not immediately have all of the funds you need. If this is the case, you can turn to financing, which lets you spread the cost of surgery out over a longer period of time.

Many patients turn to third-party patient financing companies, which specialize in financing medical procedures. Virtually any other type of credit or financing can also be used, including credit cards, health care credit cards, and loans.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your back pain. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.