Knee Replacement Cost Guide
Knee replacement surgery has become more common and cheaper in recent years. It is now considered a safe option for people with severe osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This is especially beneficial for patients with end-stage arthritis.
The continuous increase in the number of patients undergoing knee surgery may be attributed to several reasons, including the following:
Increasing reach: Now more patients are opting for knee replacement surgery because the cost of implants has dropped significantly in the past.
Various implants are available: Thanks to advances in medical technology, there are several knee implants available today to meet the individual needs of patients. From implants with 180 and 360 degrees of motion to 3D-printed knee implants, there is nothing unavailable to benefit patients with a different severity of osteoarthritis.
Better surgical results: Open knee replacement is a thing of the past. Today, there are some new technologies that offer greater benefits and ensure positive results. Thanks to a little invasive technology, surgery is no longer painful. It also does not take a week for the hospital to recover.
But still, the cost of knee surgery in Western countries remains higher. For patients in countries that want to get proper knee surgery, flying to the top medical tourism destination is an option. Some of the medical tourism hotspots for knee replacements include India, Thailand, and Turkey.
Average Cost of Knee Replacement: Top States
The average cost of knee surgery in Western countries can start from $ 30000. Furthermore, it is seen that the cost of knee replacement surgery varies not only from country to country but also from country to city. This is especially true of the US.
For example, the cost of knee surgery in Dallas, USA, may vary between $ 16,772 and $ 61,585, depending on the hospital. Paying higher prices for the procedure does not necessarily mean that the quality offered by the hospital to the patient is better than the cheaper hospital.
There are several factors that can be attributed to the difference between the prices of the same procedure in the same city. Competition, state taxes, location, and the level of free care provided by hospitals are among them.
On the contrary, the cost of knee replacement in India, Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, and Taiwan is much more reasonable than in Western countries. Costs fall by 50 to 80 percent in these countries. This explains the patient's mind when they decide to go abroad to get a knee implant.
Types, Materials, and Manufacturers of Implants
There are various types of knee implants and materials available today to choose from. Each implant has a specific purpose and is best suited for a specific group of patients. For example, older adults can manage day-to-day activities with implants that allow for 110-degree fittings. However, younger adults may need high knee implants because of their excessive activity levels.
Cobium alloys, titanium alloys, zirconium oxides, and polyethylene implants are commonly available today. Each implant material has certain advantages and disadvantages associated with it. They vary in price, usage, availability, and longevity.
Type of Surgery
An individual is either recommended to undergo knee replacement (TKR) or partial. The difference lies in the part of the knee joint that is replaced during the procedure. The length of hospitalization and the recovery period in the DEF were greater than the partial replacement. Therefore, there is a direct impact on the amount of costs that patients have to get out of their pocket for the procedure.
Type of Hospital
Hospitals with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technology tend to charge higher than other hospitals. This is despite the experience and qualifications of the surgeon handling the case. Cost also depends on the location of the hospital. Centrally located and accessible hospitals are more expensive than those located far away.
Surgeon's Experience
The cost of knee surgery also depends on how experienced the surgery is. Surgeons with extensive experience are the most sought after. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that surgeons who make more than 50 DEF a year have less than one-third of complications compared to those who do less than 50 DEF a year.
Most patients prefer to be treated by an experienced surgeon. But there are additional costs they have to pay.
Cost of Recovery
Postoperative recovery includes physiotherapy, which is done at an additional cost. Doctors usually advise candidates to undergo physiotherapy for at least 6 to 12 weeks to get better results and relieve pain. Each physical therapy session can cost anywhere between $ 20 and $ 350, depending on the country you're in. Recovery is an important aspect of recovery after knee replacement. Therefore, patients must take into account these expenses when planning the surgery.
Incident Costs
Patients may need to bear the additional costs of complications. In addition, costs may increase as the duration of surgery remains after the ICU. As with any other surgery, there are certain complications associated with it as well. Postoperative infections delayed wound healing, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism are some examples. Management of such situations has an impact on overall costs.
Other Costs
Unexpected care and management of existing conditions may increase the total bill amount.
The more number of days you spend in the hospital, the larger the bill.
The cost of private or single accommodation is greater than shared or multi-bed accommodation.
Follow-up visit after discharge from additional hospital costs.
Loss of income resulting from hospital stay and the impact of surgery can increase financial burden.
Tips For Selecting A Hospital Abroad For Knee Surgery
Choose your country wisely. Countries that offer inexpensive treatment do not necessarily compromise the quality of medical services.
Choose a surgeon wisely. Don't choose someone who is experienced but charges a large amount.
Choose a surgeon whose clinic is less crowded. Very popular surgeons tend to stay busy and spend less time with each patient. This may hinder the personal care you may want.
Get help from a hospital or medical travel facilitator to arrange additional needs. These may include accommodation, local travel, translation services, and hospital transfers.
Check the credibility of the hospital online before choosing one. Find patient testimonials and Google reviews.
Check for hospital accreditation. Choose to choose a hospital certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
Ask for all the information in advance about the type of implant to use. Also, get a detailed profile of the surgeon undergoing surgery.
Get potential cost estimates related to airline tickets, hotels, food, and other expenses.
------------------
No comments