Laser Spine Institute’s services are covered by Medicare and Medicare replacement plans but only partially. What this means is we bill our services in two portions: professional fees and facility fees.
Full Answer
Is spine surgery covered by insurance?
Because it is not a cosmetic procedure, insurance companies should cover the cost of spine surgery as long as a doctor determines it is medically necessary and the patient has completed the conservative care requirements set by their specific insurance. How Much Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Cost?
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Dr. Hanson is the only orthopedic spine surgeon in Minnesota to perform endoscopic hemilaminectomies, foraminotomies, microdiscectomies and nerve transections. Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed with many different surgical implements, including lasers, endoscopes, computer-assisted navigation systems, and operating microscopes.
How much does lumbar interbody fusion cost?
However, it is a much cheaper alternative to traditional surgery. A 2011 study published in SAS Journal showed the cost of a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was $14,183.00 on average while the cost of open surgery was $18,633.00.
Does Medicare pay for laser therapy for back pain?
Medicare and Medicaid do not cover cold laser therapy expenses.
What is the success rate of laser spine surgery?
Our patients are routinely sent home the day of surgery with a 90%-95% success rate in the relief of their nerve pain.
How much is laser surgery for bulging disc?
However, because of the technology it requires, laser spine surgery can result in higher starting costs, and typically costs $30,000-$90,000 or more. What's more, unlike traditional spine surgery, which is typically covered by health insurance, patients must often pay most of the cost themselves.
Can laser spine surgery help degenerative arthritis?
One goal of spine surgery is not to cure the arthritis, but to remove the overgrown tissues causing the pressure on the spinal nerves. The laser that is used in spine surgery cannot cut bone. The bone spurs that cause spinal stenosis must be removed with small drills and/or cutting instruments.
What is the cost of laser back surgery?
This is a significant because laser spine procedures can range anywhere from $4,000-$90,000 and many patients are shocked when they find out that they're not covered by their insurance and are left to foot the bill on their own.
Can bulging disc fixed with laser surgery?
Surgeons use lasers to remove portions of soft tissue that can compress nerves, such as ligament enlargement or herniated discs. However, lasers are only appropriate for certain conditions. They can help surgeons remove either tumors from the spinal cord or bone and soft tissue from around a nerve.
Does laser spine surgery really work?
If you're suffering from a herniated disc or damaged nerves on the spinal cord, laser surgery may be able to get the job done to an equally effective degree as traditional methods, with minimal pain, time, and costs involved.
What happened to the Laser Spine Institute?
Laser Spine Institute 18 months after closure — What happened to its $56M Tampa HQ? Fourteen years after opening, Tampa-based Laser Spine Institute shuttered in March 2019 following a series of financial blows and lawsuits that led to its eventual demise.
Can laser spine surgery help degenerative disc disease?
Laser back surgery isn't recommended for some conditions, such as degenerative spine diseases. Additionally, more complex or complicated conditions will often require a more traditional surgical approach. One of the drawbacks to laser back surgery is that you could need an additional surgery for your condition.
What is the latest treatment for severe spinal stenosis?
A wide-reaching innovation, endoscopic spine surgery has the promise to transform the lives of patients with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and disc herniations. Endoscopic spine surgery has unleashed the new potential for faster, safer, and more effective surgical recoveries.
What can laser spine surgery fix?
5 Common Conditions That Can Be Treated Through Laser Spine...Spinal Cord Tumors. Also called an intradural tumor, a spinal cord tumor is a growth that develops within the bones of your spine or within your spinal canal, according to the Mayo Clinic. ... Pinched Nerve. ... Herniated Disc. ... Spinal Stenosis. ... Sciatica.
Can spinal stenosis be treated with laser surgery?
Laser Therapy A low-level laser can provide quick relief for patients living with stenosis. As we mentioned earlier, inflammation and swelling can cause pain. A low-level laser helps reduce inflammation, which in turn makes your pain less severe.
Does Spine Institute accept Medicare?
The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration is a provider of some insurance plans, and we accept both Worker’s Compensa tion and Medicare. While The Spine Institute physicians are generally part of the same plans, this is not always the case. To ensure that your selected physician accepts your individual insurance, contact your insurance carrier directly by calling the customer service telephone number located on the back of your insurance card. Your personal agent can help you determine your insurance benefits and eligibility.
Do you bring your insurance card to Spine Institute?
Please be sure to bring your current insurance card with you during each visit to The Spine Institute. We also ask that you inform us of any changes in your coverage or home address so that you are able to full advantage of your insurance coverage.
Questions about cost for surgery at Laser Spine Institute
Your Patient Empowerment Consultant can help provide answers to these and other questions you may have regarding Laser Spine Institute surgery cost:
How to find out what Laser Spine Institute costs
Before discussing cost, patients need to find out whether they may be a potential candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery at Laser Spine Institute. To help you with this, we are happy to offer a no-cost review of your MRI or CT scan* so you can find out. Reach out today to learn more.
How Much Does Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Cost?
A 2011 study published in SAS Journal showed the cost of a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion was $14,183.00 on average while the cost of open surgery was $18,633.00. The cheaper costs are due to the fact that a minimally invasive procedure does not have to be performed in a hospital setting. It is an outpatient procedure, so many take place in surgery centers. Patients are able to go home after outpatient procedures, eliminating the cost of a hospital stay.
Why is minimally invasive surgery cheaper?
The cheaper costs are due to the fact that a minimally invasive procedure does not have to be performed in a hospital setting. It is an outpatient procedure, so many take place in surgery centers. Patients are able to go home after outpatient procedures, eliminating the cost of a hospital stay.
Does Medicare cover surgery?
Medicare may only cover doctor and procedure fees. Therefore, you may have to pay a facility fee. Depending on where the surgery takes place, this cost can vary. Some surgeries may be performed in a hospital, whereas some can be performed at a surgery center.
Can back pain be fixed?
Whereas some back pain may be fixed with physical therapy or medication, some issues must be treated surgically. Surgery can be costly, so researching your options will be imperative. While traditional surgery may be a viable option for some patients, minimally invasive surgery is also an attractive option.
Can Medicare bill surgery?
There are certain portions of a surgery that can and cannot be billed through Medicare. Because of these complexities, we encourage everyone to contact our off i ce to learn about financing options.
Who is the only orthopedic spine surgeon in Minnesota?
It may seem like the obvious choice, but only a handful of doctors are skilled enough to practice this form of surgery. Dr. Hanson is the only orthopedic spine surgeon in Minnesota to perform endoscopic hemilaminectomies, foraminotomies, microdiscectomies and nerve transections.
Do surgeons accept insurance?
You will also need to make sure your doctor accepts your insurance plan. Some surgeons may not accept various private insurance plans because some insurers won’t agree to pay the amount the surgeon believes they should be paid for each service.