The cost of ankle surgery can vary significantly depending on factors such as the specific procedure required, surgeon’s expertise, the location of the medical facility, and additional expenses like hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative tests, post-operative care, and rehabilitation. In the United States, ankle surgery can range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more, with complex procedures usually on the higher end of the cost spectrum. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate estimate based on your situation, insurance coverage, and location.
What Is the Ankle Surgery?
Ankle surgeries are done to treat fractured ankles, arthritis that impacts mobility, ankle instability from several sprains, ankle deformities, and chronic synovitis/tendonitis of a patient’s ankle. These medical conditions cannot be treated using the same type of ankle surgery.
Each procedure is specifically designed to target the issue at hand. Therefore one can undergo ankle arthroscopy, ankle fracture surgery, triple arthrodesis surgery, tendon surgery, ankle ligament reconstruction, tendon surgery, or in severe cases, ankle replacement.
Ankle Surgery Cost – Breakdown
When it comes to ankle surgery cost, you must count in a number of factors that will impact the price, such as the type of procedure, the surgical center or hospital charges, the surgeon’s fee, and extra medical expenses.
If you’ll undergo a minimally invasive surgery, the price will be lower, but for the more critical procedures, the expenses will increase. Let’s break down the expenses you might encounter.
Surgeon Fees and Hospital Charges
Surgeon fees make up the largest part of the price. These charges can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It all depends on the surgeon’s experience and the complexity of the procedure.
For example, the price of ankle arthroscopy ranges from $4,200 to $10,000. On the other hand, ankle replacement costs between $15,000 and $40,000.
Furthermore, the hospital charges can impact the cost significantly as well. They include the use of the operating room, the medical equipment, supplies, and the recovery room. The average hospital stay a day costs approximately $2,900.
Anesthesia and Medication Costs
The anesthesia fees range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, and it all depends on what type of anesthesia needs to be used, general or local. Of course, the length of the procedure will impact the anesthesia fee as well.
Bear in mind that when the anesthesia wears off after the surgery and the recovery process starts, you will be prescribed painkillers, antibiotics, and other medication, which will increase the cost of the surgery.
Pre-surgery and Post-surgery Care Costs
There are pre-surgery costs as well as post-surgery costs. The pre-surgery costs include appointments with specialists, diagnostic tests such as X-rays or CT scans, and prescription medication.
The post-surgery costs include follow-up appointments with the surgeon, physical therapy, and medical equipment such as a walking boot or crutches. The exact cost will depend on the clinic or hospital, insurance coverage, and type of surgery.
What Is the Average Ankle Surgery Cost?
If you need to treat a broken ankle, the cost can range from $6,000 to $25,000 dollars. Of course, everything will depend on the individual case, the hospital, and the physician. When surgeries are medically necessary, the patient’s insurance will cover most of the expenses.
Some patients need minimally invasive ankle surgeries that will treat their foot deformities and get rid of the instability. These procedures are less costly, and they generally don’t exceed $10,000. The most expensive ankle surgery can be about $40,000, and this is usually the ankle replacement surgery cost. These surgeries take more experience and expertise than treating a simple laceration on top of foot
How Can You Reduce the Overall Cost of the Procedure?
If you are worried that the ankle surgery you need will be too expensive, don’t worry. There are a couple of ways you can make sure the final price gets lowered. First of all, ankle surgery is not ugly feet surgery, meaning they are not a cosmetic procedure, and patients need them in order to continue with their lifestyle. Talk to your insurance provider and determine how much of the cost will be covered by insurance.
Furthermore, if you cannot find a clinic or hospital that offers financing options or affordable surgeries, you can always consider medical tourism and travel to other states where you will find clinics offering low-cost procedures.
Is the Ankle Surgery Covered by the Health Insurance?
Patients need to discuss with their insurance provider about the surgery to know exactly whether the cost will be covered. Everything depends on the type of insurance you have and the specific surgery. The insurance provider will be able to tell you about the coverage provided by your policy, fees, deductibles, and copayments that need to be involved.
Are There Any Financing Options Available for Ankle Surgery?
Apart from health insurance, financing options you can use are medical credit cards, payment plans, or personal loans. Various medical centers and hospitals help their patients by offering payment plans. This means that you can pay for the procedure over a period of time.
Great options are medical credit cards that are given by companies in order to provide patients with flexible payment options for a number of procedures. A final alternative can be taking out a personal loan to cover all costs.
Talk to Your Surgeon in Miami and Ask About the Ankle Surgery Cost
You will never know anything for sure if you don’t turn to your surgeon in Miami and discuss everything face-to-face. First, contact us and schedule your appointment. Whether you need an ankle surgery or not can be determined only by an experienced surgeon. At Luxe Foot Surgery center, you can learn more about the procedure and what would ultimately fix your medical condition.
Apart from ankle surgeries, foot deformities can be treated with toe shortening, bunion surgery, flat feet surgery, and toe lengthening surgery. However, if you truly need ankle surgery, our surgeon will discuss the cost with you.
FAQ
How Much Is An Ankle Fracture Surgery?
Ankle fracture surgery typically costs between $6,000 and $30,000 in the US. However, if there are complications during the procedure or if the surgery is more complicated, the cost may be significantly higher.
Is Ankle Surgery Very Painful?
Following surgery, it’s typical to experience pain and swelling around the ankle. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to help you manage these side effects. Rest, elevation, and ice therapy can all help to lessen pain and swelling.
How Long Does It Take Before You Can Walk After Ankle Surgery?
Depending on the severity of your injury, the type of surgery, and the natural healing process, it may take some time before you can walk unassisted. You might be able to put weight on your ankle a few days after surgery in some circumstances, but it might take a few weeks in others.
Is Ankle Surgery Risky?
Ankle surgery entails some risks, just like any other surgery. However, when carried out by a skilled and experienced surgeon, the majority of ankle surgeries are generally regarded as safe and effective.