Cervical disc replacement is a common surgery for those people who are suffering from neck pain or nerve-related problems. It is usually done when other treatments don’t help. One major concern for many people is that the high cost of the procedure, especially for those who are living in the United States. This guide is talking about how surgery costs and factors that determine the overall amount. This article makes you understand what to expect in case you would like to have a surgery.
What Is Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?
Cervical artificial intervertebral plate surgery (cervical disc replacement surgery) is the operation, in which the injured disc of neck is removed and the artificial disc is put in its replace. People that occur with the following symptoms may be advised to take it:
- Intervertebral disc hernia
- Disc degeneration
- Numbness and muscle weakness due to pressure of the spinal cord and nerves
The cervical disc replacement surgery maintains the motion of neck as compared to spinal fusion procedure (surgery to repair the spine). Recovery may happen quickly, and the nearby disc can handle the pressure more easily.
Average Cost of Cervical Disc Replacement in the U.S.
The average cost of cervical intervertebral replacement surgery in the United States ranges from $35,000 to $75,000 for non-insurance applications. The final cost depends on many factors such as hospital cost, surgeon cost, pre-surgery examination, postoperative care, etc.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Item | Estimated Cost Range |
| Hospital Charges | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Surgeon and Anesthesia Fees | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Imaging and Pre-Op Testing | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Physical Therapy Costs after Surgery | 500 – 2000$ |
| Fee (Not Covered by Insurance) | $35,000 – $75,000 |
Factors That Influence the Total Cost
1. Location of the Hospital
The cost depends on the location where you get the surgery in the U.S. Hospitals in large cities and coastal states usually set higher rates. For example, Hospitals in Los Angeles and New York usually cervical disc replacement surgery cost more than those in the Midwest and South.
2. Type of Hospital
Private hospitals are generally more expensive than public and university hospitals. Some facilities may offer additional cervical disc replacement surgery services or set room and consumables expenses higher.
3. Number of Discs Replaced
Surgery will be shorter and easier during the process of cervical disc replacement surgery. However, if two or more disks need to be replaced, the total cost may increase significantly.
4. Experience of the Surgeon
If you are an experienced surgeon and have extensive experience, the fee may be higher. In that case, the billing amount may be higher, but many patients tend to prefer to pay a high fee to gain peace of mind.
5. Type of Artificial Disc Used
Other brands cost additional money due to their design, advantages, durabilities or specialties.
Is the Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Yes, But Not Always Automatically
Most major health insurance companies in the United States pay for cervical disc replacement surgery if a doctor says that it is needed for your health. However, in some cases, insurance coverage may be rejected or limited.
What Insurance Typically Covers:
- Hospital stays
- Surgeon’s fees
- Diagnosis tests (MRI, X-ray)
- After-surgery treatment
What It Might Not Cover:
- Out-of-network providers
- Non-approved types of artificial discs
- Second consideration, consultations before the surgery
Tip: You have to talk with your insurance company before booking any surgery. Ask them if the surgery is covered and what steps you need to follow.
Out-of-Pocket Costs with Insurance
You can be forced to spend some money even in case when you have a guarantee. Some of the items that you will be allowed to have in your expenses include:
- Disclaimer: You must pay this amount before the insurance is applied.
- Self-Inflicted or Co-Paid Money: You must pay a certain percentage of the amount after paying the disclaimer.
- Uninsured services: Some items (such as specific disk brands or extended rehabilitation) may not be covered.
Example:
You have an insurance idea with $2,000 deductible and a 20% share of the cost you must pay yourself. If your surgery costs $50,000, here’s how it works:
- You pay the first $2,000 (deductible)
- Insurance pays 80% of the remaining $48,000 = $38,400
- You pay 20% of $48,000 = $9,600
- Total out-of-pocket: $11,600
Then, you must check, exactly how much it is covered by the insurance company and proceed with the procedure.
Does Medicare Cover It?
Yes, Medicare can pay the expense of cervical disc replacement surgery in case it complies with medical needs. This generally includes the following conditions:
- Damage to the intervertebral disc confirmed by image diagnosis
- Failure of non-surgical treatment
- No signs of infection or tumor
Medicare typically covers about 80% of the approved cost. The remaining 20% must be accepted by yourself. However, this is an exception if you are enrolled in a supplementary insurance plan (Medi-Gap).
What About Medicaid?
Medicaid coverage varies by state. Some states may cover cervical disc replacement surgery costs under certain conditions, but others may not. For confirmation, we recommend contacting the Medicaid Office or Administrative Medical Provider.
How to Lower the Cost of Surgery
If you’re worried about how to pay for surgery, here’s how to reduce your financial burden:
1. Choose an In-Network Hospital
Make sure the hospital and surgeon are both in the insurance network. This may cause a significant difference in the amount of self-burden after insurance application.
2. Ask for a Cash-Pay Discount
Some hospitals give a discount if you pay in cash before the treatment.
3. Look into Surgery Centers
Outpatient surgery facilities may be cheaper than big hospitals in cases of single-level intervertebral replacement surgical procedures.
4. Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Through the use of the accounts, medical costs may be covered in the manner of pre – tax income. This will decrease the economic burden.
5. Check for Financial Assistance
Some hospitals offer payment plans and financial support for patients with financial difficulties. Please feel free to contact us.
Are There Cheaper Options Abroad?
Medical tourism is expanding, and some patients choose to undergo cervical intervertebral plate replacement surgery in Mexico, India, Thailand, etc. In these areas, the total cost, including surgery costs, may be around $10,000 to $20,000.
However, overseas travel for surgery involves risks:
- Different quality standards
- Risk of complications after returning home
- Out of country medical expenses are not normally covered by insurance
In case you are thinking about any of its alternative, make sure that you have examined it deeply and seek your doctor.
Is It Worth the Cost?
There are some possibilities that cervical disc replacement surgery is used to decrease the pain with the course of time. It increases the movement of the neck and eliminate the need to use the regular medicine or need to continue treatment. Many people who have undergone this operation showed to this fact that it has improved their lives.
However, it is not suitable to every individual. You should take a closer look at the prices, potential dangers, and healing process and then answer whether the outcome is worth your time. Before any of the above procedures is done, it is good to have a second opinion and you should be aware of all the available treatment alternatives by talking to your doctor.
Conclusion
The cervical disc replacement surgery in the neck can be a very heavy for your health and also for your budget. A sensible plan can be made by knowing the full cost of the surgery and the understanding of what are the effects of price. Surgery might appear costly and many patients observe find the ways to manage the cost. That is why they can bring an end to bother some conditions and enhance the quality of their lives after the treatment. You can consider it by talking to a reliable specialist if you are ready to take a step. Start by exploring spinesurgeonnewyork.net for expert advice and affordable care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hospital stay after cervical disc replacement?
Most patients are released within 1-2 days and in cases of patients making same-day surgeries at outpatient centers they are released on the same day.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery may take 4-8 weeks, but some people may be able to return to light work in 2 weeks.
Is cervical disc replacement safer than fusion?
Depending on the condition, intervertebral substitution usually maintains motor function better than intervertebral plate fixation and may reduce the risk of problems with the adjacent disc later.
Will I need physical therapy?
Yes, most patients benefit from weeks of physical therapy to restore muscle strength and range of movement in the neck.
