Aurora Burlington’s Price for Unilateral Sacral Augmentation: $3,860.00
Overview: Unilateral Sacral Augmentation is a specialized surgical procedure performed to enhance or stabilize one side of the sacrum—the bone located at the base of the spine. It is commonly recommended for patients suffering from sacral insufficiency fractures or structural instability not responsive to conservative therapies. At Aurora Medical Center Burlington, the comprehensive fee for this procedure is $3,860.00, which encompasses the surgical intervention, required materials (such as implants or bone cement), and the care provided by the attending medical professionals. Patients considering this treatment should request an itemized cost estimate in advance to understand any potential additional charges (such as anesthesia, imaging, or post-operative care) and consult their insurance provider about coverage details.
Cost Breakdown
- Base Procedure Fee: $3,860.00
- Included: Surgical intervention, medical materials (implants/cement), facility costs, and professional fees
- Potential Additional Costs: Anesthesia, imaging (X-rays or CT scans), pre-operative lab tests, post-operative physical therapy, and prescription medications
Associated Costs to Consider
- Pre-surgical consultations and diagnostic imaging
- Anesthesia services (if billed separately)
- Hospital stay beyond standard recovery, if complications arise
- Follow-up appointments or rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses if insurance coverage is limited
Insurance & Payment Tips
- Contact your insurer ahead of time to confirm network status and coverage for CPT/revenue codes related to sacral augmentation.
- Ask for a pre-authorization or written estimate from both the facility and your insurance provider.
- Request a detailed, itemized bill after the procedure to verify all charges.
- Inquire about payment plans or financial assistance if you anticipate significant out-of-pocket costs.
Recovery & Side-Effect Considerations
- Typical recovery involves a short hospital stay, with gradual return to normal activities.
- Potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or implant-related complications—discuss these with your surgeon.
- Adhere to all post-operative instructions and attend scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is included in the $3,860.00 price for Unilateral Sacral Augmentation?
The price covers the surgical procedure, necessary materials such as implants or bone cement, facility fees, and care from medical professionals. Some ancillary charges like anesthesia or imaging may be billed separately; it is advisable to confirm with the provider. -
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Contact your insurer with the specific procedure name and CPT code to determine if pre-authorization is needed and what portion of the cost will be covered. -
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, potential extra costs include anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, lab tests, post-operative physical therapy, and follow-up visits. Always request an itemized quote to understand the full financial picture. -
How long is the typical recovery period?
Most patients experience a short hospital stay and can gradually return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on individual health and the complexity of the procedure. -
What are the main risks or complications of this surgery?
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and issues related to the implant or cement. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail before the procedure. -
Do I need to stop any medications before surgery?
Some medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be paused prior to surgery. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized instructions. -
Can I get financial assistance or a payment plan?
Many hospitals offer payment plans or financial assistance programs. Reach out to the billing department to explore your options before the procedure. -
Will follow-up visits be included in the quoted price?
Follow-up visits may not be included in the base procedure fee. Ask your provider for clarification and an estimate of any anticipated follow-up costs. -
What should I bring to my pre-surgical consultation?
Bring your insurance information, a list of current medications, relevant medical records, and a list of questions or concerns about the procedure and costs. -
How can I ensure I’m not overbilled?
Request a detailed, itemized bill after your procedure and review it for accuracy. Contact the billing office immediately if you notice discrepancies.
Aurora Medical Center Burlington offers a specialized medical service known as Unilateral Sacral Augmentation, priced at $3,860.00. This procedure involves the enhancement or stabilization of the sacral area, which is the triangular bone at the base of the spine, through surgical means. It is typically performed to address issues such as sacral insufficiency fractures or other conditions affecting the sacrum, providing relief from pain and improving structural stability. The cost of $3,860.00 reflects the comprehensive nature of the service, covering the surgical procedure, necessary materials, and associated care provided by the medical professionals at Aurora Burlington.
What is Unilateral Sacral Augmentation? – Unilateral Sacral Augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing or stabilizing one side of the sacrum, often to treat fractures or other conditions affecting the sacral bone.
Why would someone need a Unilateral Sacral Augmentation? – This procedure is typically recommended for individuals experiencing pain or instability due to sacral insufficiency fractures or other sacral conditions that have not responded to conservative treatments.
How much does Unilateral Sacral Augmentation cost at Aurora Medical Center Burlington? – The procedure is priced at $3,860.00, which includes the surgery, materials, and associated care.
What does the cost of $3,860.00 cover? – The cost covers the surgical procedure itself, any necessary materials used during the surgery, and the care provided by medical professionals throughout the process.
Is the procedure covered by insurance? – Coverage for Unilateral Sacral Augmentation varies by insurance provider; patients should consult with their insurance company to determine if the procedure is covered under their plan.
How long is the recovery period after a Unilateral Sacral Augmentation? – Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the specifics of the surgery, but patients can generally expect a recovery period of several weeks to a few months.
Are there risks associated with Unilateral Sacral Augmentation? – As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia, but these are typically rare and can be managed with proper medical care.
Who performs the Unilateral Sacral Augmentation at Aurora Medical Center Burlington? – The procedure is performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons or specialists trained in spinal surgeries at Aurora Medical Center Burlington.