Herniated Disc Surgery Cost

• For patients not covered by health insurance, herniated disc surgery can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 or more, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist and facility fee. A minimally invasive outpatient microdiscectomy would typically fall on the lower end, while an inpatient open discectomy with a hospital stay would fall on the higher end.
• Herniated disc surgery typically is covered by health insurance if ordered by a doctor. According to eSpine.com, the website of a Los Angeles-based surgeon, most insurance plans will cover spinal surgery. Medicare generally covers herniated disc surgery.
• For patients covered by insurance, assuming the deductible has been met, typical out-of-pocket costs would consist of coinsurance of between 10 and 40 percent of the procedure, for a total of $2,000 or more, up to the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

• In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon makes a very small incision in the back and, looking through a special microscope, removes the disc material from under the nerve root. In a discectomy, also called an open discectomy, the surgeon makes an incision and removes all or part of the disc that is putting pressure on the nerve or spinal cord.
• The UCLA Comprehensive Spine Center offers a comparison of microdiscectomy to open discectomy. The procedures typically are recommended for patients who have not had success with non-surgical solutions and who experience severe pain or numbness and tingling in the legs.
• Herniated disc surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, but sometimes requires an overnight stay.

• Most patients require two to six weeks of recovery time. A back brace, which sometimes is required, can cost $200 or more.
• Physical therapy at $50 to $100 or more per session can add $1,000 or more to the cost.
• The doctor usually will prescribe pain relievers after surgery, and sometimes equipment such as a walker, which can cost $50 to $200 or more, is necessary.
• Some patients -- about 4 percent -- require a second surgery which can cost as much as the first, depending on the surgery needed.

• Some providers will offer discounts to self-paying patients who agree to prepay or pay within a certain time period.
• Also, Spine-Health.com, a website that provides doctor-reviewed information about back and neck health, has a discussion about obtaining discounted surgery through a teaching hospital.

• Surgery should be considered as a last resort, since many herniated discs heal on their own within six months. Surgery often is recommended when pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities and requires strong pain medications, and when there are additional symptoms such as leg pain, weakness and loss of motion.
• It is important to consult with a specialist to determine whether surgery is the right decision. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers a surgeon locator by zip code. And the American Board of Neurological Surgery offers a neurosurgeon locator. SpineUniverse.com, an informational site run by orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons from institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, offers a discussion on choosing between an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. Generally, specialization and experience in spine surgery is more important than whether the specialist is a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon.
• Risks of herniated disc surgery include that the surgery will not correct the problem; a chance of spinal fluid leaks, bleeding or infection, or in rare cases, paralysis or death.

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