A bunion, which is medically known as hallux valgus, is a joint deformity at the base of the big toe. There is no clear or distinct cause of such condition, but according to NHS UK, the possible causes of bunions are the following:
– arthritis
– genetics or
– medical conditions like cerebral palsy and Marfan syndrome
– too fitting shoes
It is characterized by the big toe pointing to the other toes of the same foot, causing the deviation of the first metatarsal to stick from its position. It swells and sores, and becomes a more painful condition when you wear a pair of closed footwear since the toe could not flex properly in a tight space. If the bunion is not given the proper care, the condition gets worse.
The good news is that there are available medications to treat bunions and supporters, like orthotics, to bring the deformation back to its normal form. However, some patients choose to undergo a bunion surgery to take away the pain and discomforts permanently. And since it is a surgery, it is expected to cost more than the medical drugs and devices prescribed to the patient.
Cost of a Bunion Surgery With Insurance
On average, the cost of a bunion surgery is between $3,200 and $5,000, with an actual price ranging from $1,000 to as much as $34,000. Apparently, there are many factors that influence the cost. The most typical ones are the following:
– the complexity or the type of bunion surgery being performed
1. Repairing the ligaments and tendons
2. Arthrodesis
3. Exostectomy
4. Osteotomy
5. Resection Arthroplasty
– the facility where the operation is conducted
– the surgeon’s expertise and reputation
– the patient’s location or state of residence
– and whether the patient has an insurance coverage or not
If you have a health insurance, the bunion surgery cost significantly goes down. On that note, the bunion surgery cost with insurance usually depends on the coverage of your health insurance plan. There are cases when bunion surgery costs are not covered because such medical operation is considered a cosmetic or palliative surgery, which is not qualified for an insurance coverage.
But assuming that the health insurance plan covers a bunion surgery, the usual out-of-pocket expense for this operation consists a copayment of 10 to 15 percent. It means you have to pay a part of the total cost. For instance, if the overall fees of the bunion surgery have reached $10,000, then you will have to pay within the range of $1,000 to $1,500. The rest of the expenditure is paid by your insurance provider.
Bunion Surgery Cost Without Insurance
Now that you know the cost of bunion surgery with the help of an insurance plan, let’s also find out the costs of a bunion operation without a health insurance.
If you don’t have an indemnity, the least cost to treat a bunion is $1,000 for a conservative treatment, which includes an anti-inflammatory drug, a custom-made orthotics, a loose or a roomy pair of shoes, a foot splint to be worn every night, and stretching exercises. In some cases, your doctor may administer a cortisone shot near the inflammation to reduce the pain.
In the event when you need to have a surgical operation, the cost will be about $2,000 to $15,000, but it can go up to $34,000, depending on the type of surgery being performed and where the operation is conducted.
Uninsured patients can also pay lesser costs through discounts or special rates. If you pay before the surgery takes place, or if you pay in full after the service is completed, you can get a five percent discount. But that still depends on the policies of hospital, clinic, or the facility where you want to have a bunion surgery.
Cost by Location
If you live anywhere on the east and west coast, the average cost of a bunion surgery is around $4,600. But if you are residing in the southern part of the U.S., then the average cost is relatively lower than the former. It is about $3,900. However, these are just are average costs. The actual prices always vary on the availability of the treatment and how competitive the cost is in a particular town or city. The best way to know the real costs is to do research within your locality.
Expense Breakdown
The expenses involved in a bunion surgery are as follows:
1. Doctor’s Fees – Aside from the cost of the surgery, you also have to cover the fees for your doctor who performs the medical procedure. It can either be included in the package deal or a separate fee. You may need to spend more for your doctor’s fees if you require a medical care and treatment after the operation.
2. Anesthesia – In most cases, the administration of anesthesia has a separate billing. It also includes the payment for the services of the anesthesiologist before and after the medical operation.
3. Medical Facilities – Generally, bunion surgeries are done in an outpatient surgery department or center. Under this expenditure, you will pay for the pre-surgical tests, operating room fees, as well as the medications and supplies used during the medical operation.
Other Options of Paying a Bunion Surgery Fees
If you don’t have a health insurance, and the cost of a bunion surgery is too high for your budget, there are other options that you can try. Apparently, there are a number of financial institutions that offer a credit card that is particularly designed to cover different types of medical costs, including consultation fees, medical operations, and the use of medical equipment and facilities.
According to The Bunion Doctor, Access One and Care Credit are two of the most popular companies in the U.S. that offer a medical credit card line. They don’t only work with clients who already have a credit line, but they are also preparing to provide services to people who currently have don’t an outstanding credit history or those who have a poor credit line.