The Cost of Total Knee replacement

Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful and life-enhancing surgical procedures. It relieves almost all pain for 90 percent of patients who have the procedure, allowing them to return to work and tremendously enhancing their quality of life.

A new study published in 2013 by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) and conducted by health economists has confirmed total knee replacement surgery to be a cost-effective treatment for patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. By modeling indirect savings of the individual returning to the workforce after surgery, researchers found a lifetime societal net benefit for patients undergoing knee replacement averages between $10,000 – $30,000.

More than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. With an aging population staying in the workforce longer and obesity on the rise, demand for total knee replacement surgery is expected to exceed 3 million by the year 2030.

Fast Facts

·        Half the patients now receiving knee replacements are younger than 65 years of age, and most of them are in the workforce.

·        Study found lifetime societal savings of about $12 billion from the more than 600,000 total knee replacement surgeries performed each year in the U.S.

·        Demand for total knee replacement surgery is expected to exceed 3 million by the year 2030, which could total $60 billion in lifetime societal savings from patients receiving the treatment that year alone.

The cost of a knee replacement can vary substantially, even within the same geographical area. Charges can be from $30,000 to $100,000 just for the operating room (no other charges included!)

The final hospital charge depends on many factors, including: 

·        Number of days spent in the hospital: This will vary depending on the type of knee replacement you have (total, partial, or bilateral).

·        Type of implant and surgical approach: This includes the material the implant is made of and if any customized surgical instruments or specialized computer technology used.

·        Pre-existing conditions: You might require extra care in the hospital or additional precautions during surgery.

·        Length of time spent in the operating room

·        Unanticipated care or equipment required: Complications you experience during your hospital stay might call for it.

The average hospital charge for a total knee replacement (TKR) in the United States is $50,000.00. 

This is just for the knee replacement. This price does not include the surgeon, anesthesia, operating room and nurses, recovery room, hospital stay, labs or xrays.

Health insurance premiums continue to rise for employers and employees. Employers are faced with adopting plans with high deductibles to make healthcare affordable. Your company will analyze claims to see where their healthcare dollars are spent in a quest to find ways to mitigate the expense.

Cottage Hospital’s Center of Orthopedic Excellence is located in Woodsville, New Hampshire. The team of orthopedic surgeons, physician assistant, nurses, medical assistants and reception staff are competent and compassionate! Cottage Hospital can offer total knee and total hip surgery at a lower price and with higher quality outcomes than other hospitals.  Many companies are interested in flying their employees to Cottage Hospital to get their total knee or total hip replacement done as it is more cost effective and the care is exemplary. If you are interested in pursuing a contract with Cottage Hospital. Please call 1-603-747-9244.