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

In case signing up was a resolution, we cover the cost of diet plans. Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service. The CDC recommends it is more important than ever to get a flu shot this year. Be ready if the worst weather hits -- a portable generator means fewer power outages. Garden all winter long with an indoor greenhouse.

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

Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more] -Lowes Fan Mammogram Cost DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more] -Lowes Fan Painting an Interior Cost DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more] -Lowe's Fan Redwood Deck Cost Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more] -D S Colposcopy Cost Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more] -GinaF Mammogram Cost shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more] -stevej45 MRI Cost