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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copay + 10-50% of Procedure Cost |  | Without Health Insurance: $11,000-$34,000+ |
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Hip resurfacing is a type of hip surgery. It is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional hip replacement because it leaves more bone intact and allows doctors to extract and replace implants more easily. Patients suffering from advanced arthritis of the hip may be strong candidates for the procedure, but as with any surgery, should consider the pros and cons[1] .
Typical costs: | - Hip resurfacing typically costs about $11,000-$34,000 or more, depending on the implants used, whether the procedure is total or partial, and the hospital in which the procedure is performed. According to a 2010 study[2] by University of California researchers, average hip surfacing costs range from $12,833 to $34,355. A 2011 report by Zimmer, a manufacturer of orthopedic prosthetics, including those used in hip resurfacing, notes that Medicare typically paid $11,148-$25,220 for resurfacing part or all of the hip.
- The procedure, which was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006, is considered fairly new in the U.S, but may be covered by health insurers if patients meet certain criteria. Health Alliance Plan[3] and Cigna[4] , for example, require that patients be under 65 and have tried non-surgical treatments first.
- 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. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation[5] , the average hospital copay is $132 for outpatient surgery and $232 for inpatient surgery. The average coinsurance rate is 17%-18%.
Related articles: Hip Replacement, Hip Fracture, Physical Therapy, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - The surgeon will meet with the patient to make sure the patient is a candidate for the procedure and clearly explain the options, procedures, benefits and risks. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons[6] the best candidates are often people younger than 60 who are larger-framed with healthy bones. The surgery is not recommended for diabetics or patients who have metal sensitivities or osteoporosis.
- Unlike traditional hip replacement surgery, in which the entire hip joint is removed and replaced with ceramic, metal, or plastic prostheses, hip resurfacing leaves the head of the thighbone intact, reshapes it, and caps it with a metal covering. Damaged parts of the socket are also removed and replaced with a metal shell.
- Surgery typically lasts between 1 1/2 and 3 hours, and in most cases, patients go home 1-4 days later.
- According to the University of Wisconsin Hospital[7] recovery after hip resurfacing can take from six weeks to three months.
Additional costs: | - Following surgery, the patient may need devices for walking assistance, such as a cane, crutches, or walker, which typically cost $8-$700 depending on type and brand. For example, aluminum crutches[8] from CVS cost $32, while a walker[9] from an online medical supply store costs $88. Most health insurers will cover mobility aids if they are deemed medically necessary, approved suppliers are used, and patients meet certain guidelines. Cigna[10] , for instance, only covers a walker when a cane cannot adequately or safely be used.
- Surface Hippy, a patient-to-patient site with information on hip resurfacing, offers a list of everyday items[11] that may prove helpful after surgery, such as a toilet seat riser, which typically costs $13-$75.
- Physical therapy following surgery can help to improve the shoulder's range of motion. For insured patients out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a copay of $10 -$75 per session or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more. For uninsured patients it typically costs $50 -$350 or more per session.
Discounts: | - Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[12] 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.
Shopping for hip resurfacing: | - The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons features a orthopedic surgeon finder[13] .
- Surface Hippy offers a list of questions[14] to help patients evaluate potential orthopedic surgeons.
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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: | - orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00586
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2914258/?tool=pubmed
- www.hap.org/internet/bam/policy/provider/28_933HIPRESURFA_P_3.htm
- /cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0460_coverag...
- kff.org/health-costs/report/employer-health-benefits-2012-annual-survey/
- orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00586
- www.uwhealth.org/orthopedic-surgery-rehab/hip-resurfacing/11204
- www.cvs.com/shop/Home-Medical/Walkers-Wheelchairs-&-Canes/Canes-&-Crutches/_/N-3uZ...
- www.medical-supplies-equipment-company.com/product/ppf/id/6511/new_prod_full.asp
- /cignaforhcp.cigna.com/public/content/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0050_coverag...
- www.surfacehippy.info/pcwhatwillineed.php
- www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
- www7.aaos.org/member/directory/directory.aspx
- www.surfacehippy.info/questionsfordoctor.php
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