Spinal Cord Stimulation Cost

How Much Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Cost?

With Health Insurance: Copay or 20% Coinsurance

Without Health Insurance: $15,000-$50,000+

Spinal cord simulation[1] is a treatment in which a low-voltage electrical current, emitted by a small generator implanted in the back, is used to disrupt nerve impulses and block feelings of pain. It may be recommended for some patients who have had nerve-related pain, failed back surgery, or complex pain syndromes, among other conditions. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons[2] as many as 50,000 neurostimulators are implanted worldwide every year.

Typical costs:

For uninsured patients, typical out-of-pocket costs for spinal cord stimulation are $15,000 - $50,000 or more. According to a study[3] funded by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, average total medical costs of implanting a SCS system range from $19,246 - $47,190 per patient. Another study[4] published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine finds the costs per patient to be $32,882 under Medicare and $57,896 under Blue Cross Blue Shield , with annual maintenance per patient of $5,071- $21,390, depending on whether complications are present.
Spinal Cord stimulation is typically covered by health insurers, but may be restricted to the treatment of specified conditions. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan[5] only considers it a useful therapeutic option for severe, chronic pain of the trunk or limbs that has been unresponsive to conventional treatments, or for certain patients with chronic refractory angina pectoris.
For patients with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a copay or coinsurance of 20% or more.

Related articles: Back Surgery, Broken Back, Cortisone Injection, Health Insurance

What should be included:

A doctor will first try inserting a trial stimulator[6] through the skin for a few days or weeks; if it is successful, he or she will then implant a permanent stimulator. The stimulator is typically implanted under the skin of the abdomen or near the buttocks.
Most patients go home the same day they receive their permanent implant. Before being released, the patient will receive instructions on caring for the incision area and using the SCS device.
The Mayfield clinic, one of the largest neurosurgical practices in the world, based in Cincinnati, OH, offers a detailed explanation[7] of the procedure.

Additional costs:

A spinal cord stimulator battery must typically be replaced every 2 to 5 years.
Post surgery, pain will be managed with narcotic medications for a short period, which may cause constipation and require laxatives. Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners typically cost $2 -$25 depending on the brand and amount. For example, Nature's Way - Psyllium Husks Herbal Laxative VCaps [8] cost $6 at drugstore.com.

Discounts:

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.

Shopping for spinal cord stimulation:

Healthwise offers a checklist of questions patients can ask doctors[12] while considering the procedure.

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

Spinal Cord Stimulatior

Amount: $0.00 not covered by insurance

Posted by: Perkins in Richwood, WV.	Posted: October 8th, 2021 06:10AM
Type of Treatment:	Provider: Spine and nerve center of Charleston Wes

I had to take a leave of absence due to the terrible back pain that was from my neck to toes. I worked as long as I could. My insurance was United Health Care through work. I had 22 shots in my upper back, physical therapy and meds. Then the dr decided I needed the stimulatior. I was turned down the first time then the dr appealed it and I was turned down again. A dr from the insurance in a different country made the decision. Not knowing one thing about me or ever talking to me. Then I was sent to another clinic from insurance. Now they have tried shots and decided that the only thing that would help me is the stimulatior. So now went to the dr and he said he tried to get me on a study and they turned me down , and my insurance which is now medicaid will not pay for one. So now back to the shots that doesn’t help. I worked for Rite Aid/Walgreens for 40 yrs and busted my butt fir them then they called me and said they no longer could hold my job. Please help me! I’m in pain

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