How Much Does A Hip Replacement Cost

The hip is one of our most important joints. It’s where we put all our weight when standing or walking, so it has to work right every time. As we age, this joint doesn’t always do its job properly. In fact, more than 600,000 people undergo hip replacements each year, according to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). That makes the hip joint one of America’s leading causes of disability among adults over 65 years old.

A hip replacement can correct arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, congenital hip dysplasia and other conditions that cause damage to your hip. The procedure may also help relieve pain caused by an injury such as a fall or car accident. If you have had surgery on your hips before, however, it must have been done at least 18 months ago to ensure it wouldn’t form scar tissue around the new parts. You should also take your regular medications after hip replacement surgery because they can make you bleed longer and harder.

With the average national rate of hospital stays following hip replacement surgeries being 21 percent, you’ll probably want to be comfortable enough to leave the hospital without assistance. So if you’re not sure what kind of care you’ll need post-surgery, ask your surgeon about the facility he recommends in advance. He or she might even suggest home health nurses who can check on you several times during the day.

There are two types of hip implants used today – metal ball and ceramic. Both offer long-lasting results, but some surgeons prefer one type over another based on their personal experience and preference. Metal ball implants are made of cobalt chromium alloy while ceramic implants contain alumina oxide. Ceramic implants last longer than metal ones, but both can withstand high levels of activity and exercise. They also allow bone growth directly into them which reduces the chance of loosening. But if you’re prone to falling, choose the metal implant option since it’s less likely to break under pressure.

Once you’ve chosen the best hip implant for your needs, you’ll still have to decide how much money you want to spend. Costs vary depending on whether you get private insurance or Medicare coverage. According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), the cost of a hip replacement in the U.S. ranges from $30,000 to $112,000. This means that costs can vary widely depending on where you live, how complicated your medical history is, and even your gender. Don’t worry though, there are options available for everyone. Read on to find out what factors affect the cost of your hip replacement surgery.

Factors Affecting Hip Replacements Surgery Costs

While many things determine the total cost of hip replacement surgery, here are some common factors affecting these expenses:

Type of Insurance
Private insurance tends to pay higher prices for drugs and treatments than Medicare does. If you don’t have insurance, you could end up paying thousands extra dollars than someone with similar condition would.

Location of Hospital
Where you go for surgery can greatly affect the final price tag. For example, hospitals in rural areas tend to charge lower rates than those located in urban centers. Also, the farther away you travel from your nearest hospital, the more expensive it becomes.

Surgeon Experience
When choosing a surgeon, look for one experienced in performing certain procedures. Ask your friends and family members who they recommend for hip replacement operations. Many doctors specialize in individual parts of the body and will perform different kinds of surgical procedures. Having multiple specialists can reduce costs and improve recovery time.

Complications
If complications occur after hip replacement surgery, the price will rise. Some complications include blood clots, infections, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Make sure your surgeon explains everything that could happen during and after the operation.

Age
As you grow older, your risk of developing a complication increases. So, younger patients usually have lower bills than older folks do.

Gender
Women generally require fewer resources to recover, making the overall bill smaller compared to men. However, women who smoke can increase their chances of having complications, meaning they’ll pay more for their surgery. Men, on the other hand, tend to have larger frame sizes and therefore need bigger incisions to fit the implants.

Length of Stay
The length of stay (how long you’ll be staying in the hospital) determines the daily room charges. Longer stays mean higher costs. There is no standard amount for how long you should stay, but it depends on your health status. Generally, you shouldn’t stay any longer than necessary. While this can save you money in the short term, it can lead to additional problems later on.
So now you know what affects the cost of hip replacement surgery. Now it’s time to figure out how to finance your surgery. Keep reading for tips on finding affordable ways to afford hip replacement surgery.

In 2011, Medicare spent almost $14 billion on prescription drug benefits alone. By 2012, seniors were expected to account for 40 percent of all prescriptions filled.
Affordable Ways to Finance Hip Replacement Surgery

You don’t necessarily have to rely on your credit card company to pay for your hip replacement surgery. Here are some ways to keep costs down:

Shop Around
Before agreeing to surgery, shop around for deals. Check your local area for low-cost providers. Hospitals compete against each other to attract patients. If you call several facilities, compare the services offered and prices to see which provides the best deal.

Compare Prices Online
Online tools like RateMDs.com and HealthGrades.org can give you information on different hospitals. These sites list the average costs of various procedures in your area, including hip replacements. Use these tools to narrow down your choices and then contact each hospital directly to ask questions.

Ask Questions
Talk to your physician and staff about payment plans and financing options. Find out exactly what will be covered and what isn’t. Also, find out if you qualify for government programs designed specifically for individuals undergoing hip replacement procedures.

Get Insured
Getting insured is the easiest way to cover your hip replacement surgery costs. Not only do you get access to the help you need, but you also avoid worrying about paying for unexpected expenses. Talk to your employer about getting group coverage through your workplace. Most large companies offer this benefit as part of their employee package. Individuals can often apply online, speak with a human or call 1-800-673-8255.

No matter where you live, you can find affordable ways to finance hip replacement surgery. Whether you use private insurance or Medicare benefits, your choice will depend on your financial situation. Take the first step toward a better life by going ahead with your decision to get a hip replacement.

To learn more about hip replacement surgery, head over to the links on the next page.
It’s possible to receive free or reduced-price hip replacements. Contact Medicare to see if you qualify. You can also sign up for Medicare Part B, which covers 80 percent of the cost. If you already have private insurance, talk to your provider about applying for a discount.

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