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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copays + 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $1,000-$15,000+ |
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A bunion is a problem with the big toe joint that causes a bone to protrude from the foot and the toe to be improperly aligned. It often can be treated conservatively, but surgery sometimes is required.
Typical costs: | - For patients with health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for bunion treatment consists of a copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. Bunion treatment might not be covered by health insurance, depending on the plan. For example, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield[1] excludes most treatment for bunions because treatment is considered palliative or cosmetic.
- For patients without health insurance, bunion treatment typically costs less than $1,000 for conservative treatment, and costs depends on which treatments are used. Or, treatment can cost about $2,000-$15,000 or more if surgery is required.
- For example, bunion splints[2] cost from less than $20 to about $70 at FootSmart.com. Cortisone shots typically cost $100-$300 when administered to a joint. And custom orthotics cost about $200-$800.
- At Affordable Foot Care in Texas, bunion surgery[3] costs $2,000. At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, in Nebraska, surgery to correct a bunion[4] costs roughly $8,000-$15,000 or more, not including the doctor fee. Patients on a forum[5] at HealthBoards.com report total costs for bunion surgery of $5,000-$30,000.
Related articles: Cortisone Injection, Foot Orthotics, Physical Therapy, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - Conservative treatment for a bunion can include anti-inflammatory medication, roomy shoes, custom orthotics, stretching exercises and a foot splint that is worn at night. A doctor sometimes will inject cortisone near the bunion to reduce inflammation.
- If conservative treatment fails to alleviate symptoms, bunion surgery[6] sometimes is recommended. Surgery depends on the individual case and might involve removing the bump on the toe and realigning the joints. A nerve block typically is used to numb the foot, but sometimes general anesthesia is used. Recovery from surgery typically involves wearing a special boot for about six weeks.
- MedicineNet.com has an overview of bunion treatment[7] .
Additional costs: | - In some cases, bunion surgery fails and additional treatment might be needed. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 85%-90% of surgery patients are happy with their results.
Discounts: | - Many hospitals and doctors give discounts of up to 35% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, UC Health, in Cincinnati, offers a 40% discount[8] .
Shopping for bunion treatment: | - A podiatrist should treat bunions. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a podiatrist locator[9] . It is important to make sure the podiatrist is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine[10] or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery[11] , depending on their area of specialty.
- WebMD offers a guide to bunion surgery[12] .
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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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Simsof in Corpus Christi, TX. | Posted: June 2nd, 2020 06:06PM |
| Type of Treatment: Bunion surgery | Physician or Medical Center: Corpus Christi Medical Center |
I had the surgery in December 2019. The original bill sent to my insurance was $157,000 for lapiplasty (bunion surgery with implants for one foot).
The insurance negotiated to $26,300 and I had to pay the max out of pocket of $4,500.
I am still amazed how can they send a bill of $157,000 for an outpatient surgery. The implants (one plate and 6 screws) were billed with $46,000 and the insurance approved $17,000 (still a lot!!) |
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| Posted by: Liz in Texas in Austin, TX. | Posted: February 4th, 2020 11:02AM |
| Type of Treatment: Lapiplasty | Physician or Medical Center: Cedar Park Regional Hospital |
The hospital billed my insurance $121,999 for the surgery, including the hardware. The fee was reduced by $69,823 (by in network insurance). The final total HOSPITAL cost was $52,176 for the outpatient surgery. Of that, the price of the patented hardware kit (negotiated insurance rate) was $12,511. I have had to pay the full out of pocket max of $4,500 for my part of the procedure. The surgeon's bill all told is about $1,200 and the anesthesiologist bill will probably come in at about $2,000. And that was just for ONE FOOT. I also had to obtain a shower chair and a knee scooter (both borrowed). It's an expensive surgery. I'm going to make sure to have the other foot done before the end of the year so I don't have to pay any more out of pocket! |
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| Posted by: Edly in Cleveland, TN. | Posted: November 19th, 2015 07:11AM |
| Type of Treatment: metal implant | Physician or Medical Center: Sky Ridge |
My doctor charged $3000 and was paid $600 under insurance contract. The hospital charged $88,000 and the contract paid $15,000, leaving me $1,500 to pay out of pocket. It seems like this was excessive charges by the hospital. If I ever need any other surgeries, I'll shop around for a hospital. |
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| Posted by: Angelique Stamps in Chicago, LA. | Posted: July 27th, 2015 08:07PM |
| Type of Treatment: Bunion removed | Physician or Medical Center: Dr. Fried, |
I had had my bunion removed on my left foot in 2001. I used my Medical card, in Chicago, IL. I have not had a problem with my left foot at all. The only thing I didn't like was the scar on top of my foot. But I rather deal with that than the big knot, that was sticking out. I was suppose to go back to have my right foot done and I never did. Now I have to pay and I can't find no one with a cheap price. And this big bunion is killing me. Please help. I am embarrassed to show my right foot. |
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External Resources: | - www.anthem.com/wps/portal/ahpprovider?content_path=shared/va/f3/s6/t0/pw_m008961.h...
- www.footsmart.com/bunion-splints-s.aspx?searchterm=%5e*%5ebunion+splints
- www.affordablefootcare.com/services.html
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- www.healthboards.com/boards/foot-problems/54142-bunion-surgery-cost.html
- orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00140
- www.medicinenet.com/bunions/article.htm
- www.uchealth.com/patients-visitors/financial-services/discounts/
- www.apma.org/Directory/FindAPodiatrist.cfm
- www.abpoppm.org/membership/public/public2.html
- www.abps.org/content/resources/FindADoctor.aspx
- www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/should-i-have-surgery-for-bunions
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