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 |  | Over-the-Counter Treatment: $2-$25 |  | Medical Treatment With Health Insurance: $10-$50+ Copay or 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Surgical Treatment Without Health Insurance: $5,000-$10,000 |
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A bone spur[1] , also known as an osteophyte, is a bony projection that typically forms in the joints or along the spine. They develop as part of the body's response to ongoing inflammation and can be caused by the wear and tear of osteoarthritis, sports that put stress on the feet and ill-fitting shoes, among other things. Though bone spurs are often asymptomatic, treatment may become necessary if the spurs trigger pain and loss of motion.
Typical costs: | - Over-the-counter aids to treat pain caused by a bone spur typically cost $2 -$25. For example, the Ace Reusable Cold Compress[2] , costs about $5. Other remedies, including anti-inflammatory aids such as ibuprofen[3] can cost about $5 -$25, depending on the quantity and whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent
- Those seeking medical treatment for a bone spur usually start with an office visit to a primary care physician, which is typically covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a copay of $10 -$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10-50% or more. For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50 -$200 or more. A doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection to decrease inflammation along the soft tissues near the spur.
- For noninsured patients, the costs of surgically removing a bone spur typically fall between $5,000 - $10,000, depending on the area of the body and complexity of the surgery, as well as the hospital and region of the country in which the procedure is performed. For example, at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[4] in Lincoln, NE, the average cost of removing a heel spur is about $6,959.
- Surgery typically is covered by health insurance. For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10%-50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
Related articles: X-Ray, Crutches, Massage, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - An X-Ray or other imaging tests may be performed to better determine the underlying cause of the spur.
- Bone spur excision is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Anesthesia may be regional or general.
- The patient will need to elevate the affected limb for 3-7 days following surgery.
- MDGuidelines.com offers a detailed overview[5] of excision.
Additional costs: | - Crutches may become necessary following surgery to remove a bone spur. Crutches typically cost $15- $40 for basic models or up to $100 for deluxe forearm crutches. Crutches typically are covered by health insurance with a durable medical goods copay.
- A doctor may also recommend the patient change footwear.
- Massage may help to alleviate the pain of a bone spur.
Discounts: | - Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[6] 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[7] in Chicago, provide orthopedic or neurological specialty care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services posts a directory of federally funded health centers[8] ; if the nearest clinic doesn't offer orthopedic care, ask for a referral.
Shopping for bone spur treatment: | - The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers an orthopedic surgeon finder[9] by city, state or zip code. The American Board of Podiatric Surgery offers a doctor locator[10] .
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-spurs/DS00627
- www.drugstore.com/default.asp?catid=1
- www.walgreens.com/search/results.jsp?Ntt=ibuprofen&x=0&y=0
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- www.mdguidelines.com/excision-of-bone-spur-foot
- www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
- www.communityhfc.org/referals.htm
- findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
- www.abos.org/find-a-certified-orthopaedic-surgeon.aspx
- www.abps.org/content/resources/FindADoctor.aspx
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