Back Brace Cost

Typical costs:

• For uninsured patients, back braces typically range in cost from $40 - $1,000, depending on the type of material, the size and style, and whether the device is prefabricated, custom-fitted, or custom-made. For example, the Aspen QuikDraw^[3] , a brace that allows patients to control and adjust compression, costs $250, while the relatively simple Criss Cross Lumbosacral Supports^[4] elastic brace costs about $38.
• Most traditional health insurers cover back braces if the devices meet the criteria for durable medical equipment and are deemed medically necessary. Depending on the plan, there may also be additional restrictions. For instance, Cigna^[5] stipulates that unmodified, pre-fabricated braces must be considered first, over custom-fitted or custom-fabricated models. Other insurers may not cover the cost of a new brace if a patient has already been given one within the past few years, or may require that the brace be purchased from a specific supplier.
• For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a medical device copay or coinsurance of about 20%.

• According to a patient guide^[6] offered by Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, a qualified clinician known as an orthotist^[7] , will evaluate and measure the patient for the prescribed orthosis. The device is then fit to the patient, with any necessary re-contouring or modifications made.
• The patient will be instructed on proper use and care for the device, which must be observed to decrease potential complications^[8] .
• If a custom-made back brace is required, an orthotist will need to work closely with the physician and physical therapist to formulate a prescription and then design, fabricate, and fit the orthosis.

• If physical therapy is needed, it could add hundreds of dollars to the final bill. Per session, physical therapy typically costs $50- $350 for uninsured patients, or brings a copay of $10 -$75 for insured patients.
• In order to measure progress, the patient may also need to make several follow up visits and take X-Rays to see if the bone has healed enough to discontinue use of the brace.

• Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital^[9] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.
• Some free clinics, such as Community Health Free Clinic^[10] in Chicago, provide orthopedic or neurological specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services^[11] posts a directory of federally funded health centers; if the nearest clinic doesn't offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.

• The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics offers a free searchable database^[12] of Certified Orthotists and accredited facilities for patients.

1.  www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-brace.htm
2.  www.umm.edu/spinecenter/education/back_and_neck_braces.htm
3.  www.mmarmedical.com/Aspen_QuikDraw_p/99xx.htm
4.  orthopedic-products.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/product/criss-cross-lum...
5.  /cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0394_coverag...
6.  www.geisinger.org/services/orthopaedics/orthotics/index.html
7.  nyp.org/health/pmr_orthpros.html
8.  emedicine.medscape.com/article/314921-overview#a17
9.  www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
10.  www.communityhfc.org/referals.htm
11.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
12.  oandpcare.org/Search

Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care		How Much Does Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors Cost?		How Much Do Crutches Cost?		How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The hot summer weather is here. How much does central air conditioning cost? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the latest offerings and deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning. A BBQ grill can come in handy during the summer.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Low cost baby shower Paid: 600.00 I spent about $200 on food/snacks/simple decor- where I served Packaged desserts (due to covid) and deli sandwiches, bbq chicken and Bread/cheese/fruit... [more] -Mommy to be Baby Shower Cost TSLIM Insulin Pump Paid: 1131.20 I have Federal Blue Cross, the most expensive Self Plan. The insurance company paid $5,584.20 for the TSLIM, and I paid $1,131.20 out of pocket. Medtronic Insulin pump was quoted at the same price... [more] -Read by EOB Insulin Pump Cost Prescription Eye Glasses Paid: 380.00 Eye exam was less than $60. Frames alone were about $118. Extra-wide progrssive lenses an additional $80. Polycarbonate thin lens with blue light filter, UV protection, anti-glare, 1-year warranty on frames & lenses... [more] -Lady 70 Eyeglasses Cost About the free dog food Paid: 100.00 I'm a 70 year old retired senior citizen I have two dogs Lily is Irish Terrier weighs about 15 lb very good dog Jade is a blue nose pitbull and she's 5 months old and weighs about 55 lb cost me $100 or better a month to feed them I like to ... [more] -Robert moneyhan Dog Food Cost DIY Front End Paid: 965.00 Front: 2xCV axel, 2xball joints, 2x Sway bar end links,sway bar bushings, 2xrotors, 2x brake pads. $500Rear: brake pads. $35New Tools (yay!):3 ton floor jack, 20v impact wrench, 2x Jack stands, tube lock-tite, can of pb blaster. $430.$965... [more] -Mr. Gillis Car Suspension Cost Fujitsu split single unit Paid: 3400.00 I was charged 3400 which include electrical work. The contractor was referred to me by a neighbor. I asked about a rebate and was informed the cost included any rebate money and he (the contractor) would take care of it... [more] -A wary lake resident Ductless Air Conditioner Cost