How Much Does it Cost to Have a Shoulder Replaced?

Total shoulder replacements can offer hope and opportunity.  Many shoulder replacement candidates have little to no use of their shoulder joint, which can affect lifting, basic arm use, swinging, and other types of movements.  Shoulder issues can also be very painful and can affect the simplest of daily activities.  Arthritis, injury, and breakdown of cartilage can produce a bone on bone rubbing in the joint, which is the main cause of the severe pain people experience with shoulder issues.  Total shoulder replacements assist those by installing a better joint with a fake cartilage that provides fluidity and use back into the arm and shoulder.  This might sound like a wonderful prospect, but how much do shoulder replacements cost? And how safe are they? Shoulder replacement lawsuit litigation continues around the country as patients suffer adverse events and serious injury.

Shoulder replacement surgery is not inexpensive.  The average cost for shoulder replacements range from 6,000 – 22,000 and upwards of that.  This depends on a range of variables such as location, which hospital is used, the type of implants that are used, one or both shoulders, and whether it is reverse replacement surgery or standard replacement surgery.  The average amount hovers around the 12,000 mark studies show.  Medicare does cover large portions if the patient is eligible, and costs range in the 10,000- 13,000 price range of coverage provided.  Many insurance companies do cover shoulder replacements.  Hospital co-pay, coinsurance, outpatient vs inpatient, and other out-of-pocket expenses also need to be factored into the cost that the patient would have to pay.

Surgery costs can be alarming, but there are some elements that are included.  Usually, x-rays and a physical exam are part of the package so the doctors can identity the issues and plan for the replacement.  Also, a review of the patient’s medical history is usually addressed to see if anything I their past could cause complications with a joint replacement or the associated medication that the patient will need for any pain or infection. Physical therapy is a must for shoulder replacement patients.  If the patient does not have insurance, physical therapy can run 400 dollars or more per session.  If the patient does have insurance, usually co-pay must be paid per session but the cost is usually minimal.  Some hospitals offer discounts, especially if the patient is uninsured or can pay cash.  If the patient can pay it within a specific time frame they may be eligible for more discounts as well.

Shoulder replacement surgery costs can be managed effectively if the patient is insured, otherwise costs are quite high.  These surgeries are usually successful and can provide the individual with less pain and stable and reliable joint that will last.