Good news for seniors who have put off treating neck or back pain because of cost: Physician Partners of America is one of the few healthcare providers that accepts Medicare for minimally invasive laser spine procedures. These procedures typically cost patients thousands of dollars without Medicare or insurance coverage.
Full Answer
Does Medicare cover Laser Spine Surgery?
Medicare may help cover services and supplies related to laser spine surgery if you meet certain criteria. If your physician deems it medically necessary for you to undergo laser spinal surgery, Medicare may help cover the costs.
Can you make an appointment with a neurosurgeon with Medicare?
Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Neurosurgeons who accept Medicare insurance and make an appointment online. How can I find a Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
How much does a spinal fusion cost with Medicare?
The average cost of spinal fusion (fusing together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone) in a hospital outpatient department is $764 with Medicare paying $611 and the patient paying $152. Does Medicare cover all types of back surgery?
How do I find orthopedic surgeons who take Medicare insurance?
Use Zocdoc to find orthopedic surgeons near you who take Medicare insurance. It’s simple, secure and free. Zocdoc verifies all providers before they can appear in Zocdoc search results. Every provider that appears in search is open to new patients. Zocdoc only allows patients to write reviews if we can verify they have seen the provider.
How can I make a same-day appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an Orthopedic Surgeon who takes Medicare insurance, book an appointment, and see the Orthopedic...
How can I find an Orthopedic Surgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Orthopedic Surgeon who takes Medicare insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-dow...
How can I book an appointment online with a Medicare Orthopedic Surgeon?
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Medicare Orthopedic Surgeons and book appointments instantly . You can search for Medicar...
How can I find a female Orthopedic Surgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
When you search for Orthopedic Surgeons on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only se...
How can I find a Medicare Orthopedic Surgeon who sees patients after hours?
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Medicare Orthopedic Surgeons with availability after 5 p.m.
How can I find a top-rated Medicare Orthopedic Surgeon?
You can use Zocdoc to find Medicare Orthopedic Surgeons who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submi...
How can I find a video visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon online?
Orthopedic Surgeons on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter you...
Are video visits with an Orthopedic Surgeon online covered by Medicare?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Orthopedic Surgeons...
How can I find a Medicare Orthopedic Surgeon who sees patients in the morning or evening?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Orthopedic Surgeon who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the spe...
How can I make a same-day appointment with a Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance, book an appointment, and see the Neurosurgeon with...
How can I find a Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu...
How can I book an appointment online with a Medicare Neurosurgeon?
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Medicare Neurosurgeons and book appointments instantly . You can search for Medicare Neur...
How can I find a female Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance?
When you search for Neurosurgeons on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Neur...
How can I find a Medicare Neurosurgeon who sees patients after hours?
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Medicare Neurosurgeons with availability after 5 p.m.
How can I find a top-rated Medicare Neurosurgeon?
You can use Zocdoc to find Medicare Neurosurgeons who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted b...
How can I find a video visit with a Neurosurgeon online?
Neurosurgeons on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your sear...
Are video visits with a Neurosurgeon online covered by Medicare?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Neurosurgeons who a...
How can I find a Medicare Neurosurgeon who sees patients in the morning or evening?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Neurosurgeon who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special ho...
How long does it take to see a neurosurgeon on Zocdoc?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Neurosurgeon who takes Medicare insurance, book an appointment, and see the Neurosurgeon within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Neurosurgeons who accept Medicare insurance and make an appointment online.
Does Medicare cover video visits?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Neurosurgeons who accept Medicare for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage ...
Can you use Zocdoc to find a neurosurgeon?
You can use Zocdoc to find Medicare Neurosurgeons who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
What is the best treatment for spinal cord pain?
If all other treatments prove ineffective, your physician may suggest spinal surgery. Based on your specific needs, your physician can suggest traditional surgery, or a less invasive laser spine surgery. Laser surgery uses a smaller incision and a laser to remove soft tissue or tumors around nerves, bone, or the spinal cord.
What is covered by Medicare Part B?
Medically necessary services and supplies you get before surgery, including imaging tests like x-rays and an MRI, may be covered by Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). Follow-up care, such as post-operative exams and physical therapy, will also be covered by Part B.
What is laser surgery?
Laser surgery uses a smaller incision and a laser to remove soft tissue or tumors around nerves, bone, or the spinal cord. With an experienced and trained surgeon, laser surgery may limit nerve damage and post-operative pain. Surgery can be stressful enough, but if you are a Medicare recipient, you may be concerned about the cost of your procedure.
Does Medigap cover coinsurance?
How Medigap Can Help. If you have Original Medicare and have purchased supplemental insurance, your Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy can help cover the costs that Original Medicare does not, including copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles.
Does Medicare cover laser spine surgery?
Medicare may help cover services and supplies related to laser spine surgery if you meet certain criteria. Medicare Part A and Part B Coverage for Spine Surgery. If your physician deems it medically necessary for you to undergo laser spinal surgery, Medicare may help cover the costs.
How much does spinal fusion cost?
The average cost of spinal fusion (fusing together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone) in a hospital outpatient department is $764 with Medicare paying $611 and the patient paying $152.
Why is it so hard to determine the cost of back surgery?
It’s difficult to determine exact costs prior to back surgery, because the specifics of the services you may need are unknown. For example, you might need an extra day in the hospital beyond what was predicted.
How much does a laminectomy cost?
The average cost of a laminectomy (partial removal of bone with release of spinal cord or spinal nerves of 1 interspace in lower spine) in a hospital outpatient department is $5,699 with Medicare paying $4,559 and the patient paying $1,139. Spinal fusion.
What is Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) Medicare Part B covers your doctor’s services during your hospital stay and outpatient services following your release from the hospital. Other insurance, such as Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap), Medicare Part D (prescription drug), or Medicare Advantage plans are available to you when you qualify ...
What to do if you have back pain?
If you experience back pain, talk to your doctor about recommended treatment that may include: diagnostics. medication. physical therapy. surgery. They can let you know why they feel these procedures are necessary and if they’re covered by Medicare.
Does a hospital accept Medicare?
the hospital accepts Medicare. you’re admitted per an official doctor’s order indicating that you need inpatient hospital care. You may need approval for your hospital stayfrom the hospital’s Utilization Review Committee.
Does Medicare cover back surgery?
Although Medicare typically covers medically necessary surgery, check with your doctor to be certain that Medicare covers the type of surgery they’re recommending. Common types of back surgery include: diskectomy. spinal laminectomy /spinal decompression. vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.
How much does Medicare pay for anesthesia?
You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the anesthesia services a doctor or certified registered nurse anesthetist provides. The Part B Deductible applies. The anesthesia service must be associated with the underlying medical or surgical service. You may have to pay an additional Copayment to the facility.
What is original Medicare?
Your costs in Original Medicare. In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference.
What is Medicare Part A?
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care. covers anesthesia services if you’re an inpatient in a hospital. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Do you have to pay for anesthesia?
The anesthesia service must be associated with the underlying medical or surgical service. You may have to pay an additional. An amount you may be required to pay as your share of the cost for a medical service or supply, like a doctor's visit, hospital outpatient visit, or prescription drug.
What is Medicare Part B coinsurance?
Medicare Part B coinsurance (typically 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount of service) Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) helps cover some of Medicare's out-of-pocket costs. To find out which Medigap plans are available in your area, speak with a licensed agent at 1-800-995-4219.
How much is Medicare Part B deductible?
Medicare Part B deductible ($185 per year in 2019) Medicare Part A coinsurance ($341 per day for days 61-90 in a hospital, $682 per each "lifetime reserve day" of each benefit period for days 91 and beyond, and all costs beyond lifetime reserve days in 2018)
What is the procedure that a surgeon uses lasers for?
The surgeon notes that he rarely uses lasers to: 1. Remove tumors from spines. Remove bone or soft tissue near a nerve. Shrink disk material near a nerve. Steinmetz notes, too, that in most standard practices, only around a third of cases are right for minimally invasive procedures.
Does Medicare cover back surgery?
Even if your surgery is considered medically necessary and Medicare does cover back surgery in your case, there are some costs that you'll likely have to pay out of pocket, including:
Is laser spine surgery invasive?
Laser spine surgery is a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. Surgeons make smaller incisions and use tools to tunnel to the site of pain. Muscles aren't removed, which means that the damage to nearby tissue is minimal and recovery is quicker.
