If you aren’t satisfied with the results of conservative treatments, you and your doctor may decide that a lumbar microdiscectomy is the best way forward. Lumbar microdiscectomies are effective for resolving severe leg pain due to pressure on a spinal nerve from a herniated disc. A skilled surgeon combined with a rehabilitation program tailored to your condition can have you back to an active lifestyle in an efficient manner. Nonetheless, it’s important to consider the cost of your lumbar microdiscectomy in advance.
By understanding the procedure and the factors that influence its cost, you can make the right preparations and feel more confident about your road to recovery. The following is an overview of lumbar microdiscectomy and its cost.
Overview of Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Lumbar microdiscectomy is performed when there is an issue with a spinal disc. A spinal disc is the soft, spongy material that sits between two spinal vertebrae. Sometimes, it can degenerate or become displaced, which can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain and discomfort. To resolve the issue, surgeons enter the lumbar spine and remove the problematic disc material.
Minimally invasive lumbar microdiscectomies have several advantages compared to traditional lumbar discectomies. In such cases, the surgeon operates through a smaller incision, which causes less damage to surrounding tissue with less risk of infection than with open surgeries.
Factors That Influence Cost
Now that you have a grasp of the procedure itself, consider the following factors that can influence the cost of your lumbar microdiscectomy.
Your Insurance
The most important determinant of the cost of a lumbar microdiscectomy is your insurance coverage. Some providers may cover the entire cost of the operation, while others may cover just a portion. The best way to find out is to ask your insurance provider directly about the extent of your financial obligations.
You may find it beneficial to discuss your options with an insurance specialist who can guide you through the often complex topic of medical insurance. Look for a surgeon with an in-house insurance specialist who can help you feel more confident as you navigate the details of your coverage.
You also want to ask your surgeon whether the facility where the surgery is to be performed is “in-network” or whether the surgical assistant or the anesthesiologist participates in your insurance plan. These questions can uncover “hidden” costs.
Post-Operative Care
Something else to take into consideration about the cost of a lumbar microdiscectomy is the care you will need in the days and weeks that follow the operation. You will likely have to take a few days off from work to rest after the surgery. Once you return to work, you may notice a decrease in productivity, depending on the physical demands of your job. Be sure to inform your employer about your lumbar microdiscectomy in advance so that he or she can take the appropriate precautions.
In addition to time off work and a potential reduction in productivity, physical therapy is an expected part of the recovery from a lumbar microdiscectomy. Your doctor will likely prescribe you a physical therapy regimen. Carefully following your doctor’s exercise instructions is a critical step in regaining your strength and mobility, but it’s important to consider the costs of physical therapy before starting your treatment. Many insurances providers will assist you in paying for physical therapy, so talk with them to learn more about your options.
Final Thoughts
There are many resources available for you to find out more about the cost of your lumbar microdiscectomy. Remember that you can never do too much research. It’s advisable to start by consulting with your doctor and your insurance company to resolve any doubts about your financial obligations. Use this overview to formulate questions for those consults and to help yourself feel at ease about your return to a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
