Our joints take a lot of abuse throughout our lives. It’s no wonder then that knee replacements are one of the most common types of surgical procedures performed in the United States.
Every year doctors perform around 700,000 knee replacements for patients of all ages. So if you need to have a knee replacement, you’re not alone.
Suffering from chronic knee pain makes it difficult to move and enjoy life. Surgery can help you get that enjoyment back, but how much does a knee replacement cost really?
Read on for a breakdown of costs to expect when undergoing a knee replacement.
How Much Does a Knee Replacement Cost Really?
The average cost of a knee replacement depends on many different things, including:
- Pre-surgical preparation, consultations, lab work
- The type of surgery
- Any preexisting conditions – These may require extra precautions or care during surgery and recovery
- The surgical approach and type of replacement – What materials and specialized healthcare tech do you need?
- Surgery length – The longer you spend in the operating room, the more expensive
- Hospital recovery – How long will you stay in the hospital?
- Complications, extra equipment, unanticipated costs
- Post-surgical care, recovery, and rehabilitation
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than a cure. So, view these tips on how to prevent knee injuries before they happen.
Breaking Down the Average Cost of a Knee Replacement
The most expensive part of a total knee replacement in the U.S. is the hospital charge, which averages around $50,000. A partial replacement will cost about 10-20% less than that, or $40,000 to $45,000. (Keep in mind these figures reflect a normal surgery without complications and a hospital stay of only 2-3 days.)
Other charges you may incur include inpatient and outpatient charges. Inpatient costs arise during your hospital stay and usually add about $7,500 to your bill.
The cost of outpatient work varies on a case-by-case basis. Some patients require minimal pre and post-op work while others require extensive care.
Pre-surgical prep work like consultations, imaging, and laboratory work (cultures, blood work, and panels) are necessary for a successful surgery. Costs vary depending on your insurance plan and location. On average, they add between $1,000 and $2,000 to your bill.
Post-surgical care like physical therapy and follow-ups also add to your bill. Most patients pay between $1,700 and $2,700 for these services during the year following their knee replacement surgery.
So in total, the average price of a total knee replacement is around $61,000.
Find the Best Doctor for Your Medical Procedure
Now you should have a solid answer to the question, “How much does a knee replacement cost?”
Although much depends on the extent of your surgery, your geographical location also plays a significant role. Take the time to research and find the right doctor since expertise and costs can vary from practice to practice.
Have other health issues you need checked out?
Head over to the health section of the Let’s Be Game Changers blog. Find tons of articles like these questions to ask a chiropractor to help you narrow down healthcare providers.