ADR - Cost. Going it alone?

[Jdouglas]

Does anyone have any idea of what artificial disk surgery actually costs in the USA? I am waiting for my surgeon to give me an idea of this and was curious if anyone on the site paid out of pocket to have it done domestically and what the total was (including hospital cost)? Seeing as though United Healthcare has rejected my appeal, I am considering figuring out a way to finance the surgery or something. Just trying to weigh options. Thanks for any help.

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L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Tentative Surgery date 5-26-09 (very much in jeopardy!)

[Harrison]

How much does artificial disc replacement cost?

Hope this helps. For other folks that have recently paid out of pocket for US surgery, how much did you pay?

[Jdouglas]

Thanks Harrison, kind of pathetic that I could not find that Post. In any case, has anyone had one done in the last year? Any rough idea as to what it ended up costing? Thanks again.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Tentative Surgery date 5-26-09 (very much in jeopardy!)

[CharlesinCharge]

I had the XLIF fusion last September, and while my insurance paid for it I can tell you that the grand total (and I went home that day, I did not spend a night in the hospital) was almost $125,000. That was for only one level, and a minimally invasive procedure! Most patients that I know get quotes for over $100,000 for ADR here in the U.S. when you add in everything (Hospital, labs, surgeon fee, device cost, anesthesiology, overnight stay in hospital, etc.). That is why so many of us have gone to Germany, where I paid $34,000 (including my airfare and my wife's airfare and all incidentals) for two levels.

[Jdouglas]

Thanks Charles. That is staggering. I just spoke to the Neurosurgeon's office and they won't have my cost until tomorrow, but I will post it when I have it. Once again I really appreciate the info.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Tentative Surgery date 5-26-09 (very much in jeopardy!)
Reply With Quote

[CharlesinCharge]

Just be sure it is the TOTAL cost, not just the cost of the Neurosurgeon and the device. His office may not know exactly what the Anestheiologist will charge, plus the 3-4 nights in the hospital, all your meds and IV's in the hospital, the surgery room fee, the labs fee, etc. etc. Tell them you need the TOTAL cost, as that is what you are facing.

[Jdouglas]

I am dealing with Roper Hospital in Charleston, SC to get the surgery done and was curious if anyone had any experience "talking down" the price from the hospital? They are offering a 30% discount, but I have heard people say it should be much more. Anyone have any clue on this issue? Thanks for any help.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Tentative Surgery date 5-26-09 (very much in jeopardy!)

[Maddie]

I was given a price of ~$140,000 for five levels, involving the cervical and the lumbar, both fusion and ADR. And that was what they would be charging the insurance, whatever that means. This was in the eastern US, at a very big hospital.

[Jdouglas]

The numbers in these types of discussions are almost nonsensical aren't they? It's just mind boggling to conceive. In any case, I still intend to proceed and go into debt. Time will tell if I am right or wrong. My surgery is Tuesday.
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L5S1 Herniation and Annular tear
Over 10 epidurals,
DDD, 2 discograms (positive),
Countless attempts at conservative therapy.
Surgery date 5-26-09

[mattshell]

Surgeons $ 5,500 This excludes MRI, Bonescan, Xrays, Labs, Surgical center
Facility $ 10,000 Labs, EMG.........
Anesthesia $ 1495
Prodisc-c $ 6,500
Total - $ 23,495
This is a surgical center... I was home two hours after surgery... Seven days post-op and neck has more movement every day... See Dr Saddiqui next Friday so he can look at x-rays hopefully no migration....