Save Money On Knee Replacement Surgery With Carrum Health
Does chronic knee pain make everyday activities unbearable? Knee replacement surgery could be the solution. This procedure replaces all or part of the damaged knee joint, typically recommended for those with long-term pain or stiffness, often due to arthritis or injury. Your doctor may recommend this surgery if they believe it will alleviate your pain and improve your mobility, making it easier to stand, walk, and climb stairs.
While knee replacement surgery can significantly improve quality of life, it’s important to understand the financial implications. The average cost in the United States is around $20,000, but some patients face charges exceeding $200,000, especially if complications arise during surgery (according to a 2023 study). The good news is that Carrum Health can help alleviate some of these costs. Carrum Health members can potentially save hundreds of dollars, while receiving top-quality care.
Tom Hartos, Knee Replacement Surgery Patient
Understanding the Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery offers relief from chronic pain and improved mobility, but it’s crucial to understand the financial implications. The total cost can vary significantly depending on several factors:
- Pre-surgery costs: Consultations, X-rays, tests, and other appointments to prepare for surgery.
- Hospital charges: These often represent the most significant portion of your knee replacement surgery costs, encompassing operating room fees and the duration of your hospital stay (if required). The average cost per night in a U.S. hospital varies widely, from $1,425 in Mississippi to $4,337 in California, with a national average of $3,025 (as of 2022).
- Knee implant: The material and design of the implant as well as type of surgery (robotic assisted) can range anywhere from $1,800 to $50,000
- Anesthesia: The type and duration of anesthesia used during surgery.
- Travel: Transportation and accommodation if you need to travel for the procedure.
- Post-surgery costs: Physical therapy, mobility aids, medications, and follow-up appointments.
Other factors influencing the price
Figuring out your bill can be tricky, though, since there’s no set price for any of these. Instead, what you’re charged will depend on a few different factors, including:
- Surgery setting: Inpatient facilities (usually hospitals) often charge more than outpatient surgery centers, and each additional night you spend at the hospital may add thousands of dollars to your surgery bill.
- Geographical location: Surgery prices vary by state and region, with urban areas typically more expensive than rural ones.
- Health insurance: Your out-of-pocket expenses depend on your insurance coverage, deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.
How Carrum Health can help
The cost of knee replacement surgery can be unpredictable and stressful. Carrum Health, a surgery benefit offered by some employers, simplifies the process and reduces financial burden. Often, all surgical expenses are covered, including travel to specialized centers, and you are only required to pay the deductible. Additionally, Carrum Health members can access free second opinions from top surgeons for added peace of mind before making a decision.
Let’s take a closer look at how Carrum Health can help you save money on knee replacement surgery.*
Scenario 1: Your knee replacement surgery costs $25,000, and you have a high-deductible health insurance plan with 20% coinsurance.
| Surgery Cost | Deductible | Coinsurance (20%) | Total Cost | |
| Individual Health Insurance Plan | $25,000 | $2,000 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Family Health Insurance Plan | $25,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $9,000 |
| Carrum Health Benefit | $0 | $2,000 | $0 | $2,000 |
Scenario 2: Your knee replacement surgery costs $25,000, and you have a zero deductible health insurance plan with 20% coinsurance.
| Surgery Cost | Deductible | Coinsurance (20%) | Total Cost | |
| Individual Health Insurance Plan | $25,000 | $0 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Family Health Insurance Plan | $25,000 | $0 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Carrum Health Surgery Benefit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Sometimes, the best possible care isn’t located in your immediate area. If you need to travel outside of your immediate area, typically travel costs are also covered through your Carrum Health benefit. This includes expenses such as transportation, hotel, and meals for both you and a travel companion.
At Carrum Health, we believe in transparent, affordable healthcare pricing. If your Carrum Health benefit doesn’t fully cover your knee replacement, we’ll make sure you know your total cost before scheduling your surgery.
If your employer offers the Carrum Health benefit, you may be eligible to save thousands on your knee replacement surgery. Register today to learn more and start exploring your options.
*These scenarios are examples only and do not represent all possible outcomes. For exact costs, register today and speak to a Carrum care specialist.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. No material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
