Orthopedic specialists are physicians whose main focus of care involves the musculoskeletal system. Back in the day, this branch of medicine catered more to the diagnosis and correction of related illnesses in children. However, at present, it encompasses a broader clientele and touches base on several other practices that have involvement in the muscular and skeletal function of the body. Orthopedics is actually among the most practiced specialty in the world. And orthopedic surgeons are among the most paid physicians at that. This means that for patients, it is also among the most expensive medical management they will get in their lifetime, with certain operations costing them anywhere between $50,000 and $150,000.
The Reason Behind the Price
Much of this is attributed to the fact that orthopedic surgeries observe some of the most delicate procedures known in the industry. A spine surgery, for example, involves that part of the body that connects the brain with the peripheral structures. So there is a lot of pressure put on its success. Depending on the condition, people may get spinal fusion, discectomy, spinal decompressions and laminectomy to relieve pain and improve the function of the spine. And all of them require utmost gracefulness and expertise from the surgeon, which will obviously come at a price. In addition, there’s also the consideration that orthopedic surgeries are hard work. Can you imagine drilling into a material that’s as dense as a metal alloy and then putting them together with rods and pins but with utmost care? An orthopedic surgeon’s work will definitely be demanding in the case of total hip and joint replacement as well as ACL reconstruction. So they typically charge a lot for their services.
In addition to the aforementioned, there’s also all these contraptions that are put to work during and after orthopedic surgeries. And given their quality, rarity and complexity, surgeons as well as hospitals put on a significant charge for their use, which the patient should be able to check in his billing. There are bone drills and bone chisels that come in an assortment of sizes. And to immobilize fractured bones, intramedullary pins and Kirschner as well as cerclage wires are required, which must be put in place with a Jacob’s Chuck. To have them in the perfect size, surgeons may have to use wire and bolt cutters, which the patient will have to pay for as well to get the surgery done. And to secure all the accessories, needle-nose pliers or needle drivers must also be applied. As far as post-op goes, a person with a fracture might have to rent a Thomas Splint, Hamilton Russell, Buck, Bryant’s, Braun, and Perkins traction set-up and spend for its maintenance as well to increase the healing rate and protect the surgical site. And if that’s not enough, upon recovery, the patient will have to pay for physical therapy as well as other auxiliary equipment to support ambulation, like crutches and wheelchairs.
Orthopedic Treatments – Where Does Your Money Go To?
With all of this in mind, it becomes apparent that your budget is a big determinant in the type of care you receive from orthopedic specialists. In this scenario, you are not just paying for the expertise of an individual but the tools associated with your treatment and quick revitalization. Hence, you have to make sure that your insurance covers every aspect of your hospitalization, or at least, a significant part of it. The rest of the dues, you must pay through your savings or a loan from trusted third-party providers, whether it is family or a financial institution. But you also have the option of traveling abroad for less costly care, although you will need your doctor’s consent to do so.
Post Surgery Payment Concerns
Once you have gotten over your condition, you must then exercise all means necessary to prevent the reoccurrence of the problem by taking care of your body, taking your prescribed medication and keeping away from activities and experiences that would potentially aggravate your existing injury. Yes, it will call for a complete lifestyle change. But that is a meager sacrifice compared to what you will go through again if you abuse yourself repeatedly. Can you imagine losing your arm completely after getting your rotator cuff fixed because you just can’t give up on baseball and find another passion?
It is difficult to be treated for an orthopedic case, no doubt. The financial aspect alone is a big burden on anyone. But it is certainly better than having to live your life in pain and being limited in your performance. True, there are cases when you won’t be able to do the same things you did before even after you sought treatment. But most of the time, orthopedic procedures will be able to improve your life and open new doors for you; even extend your lease on life. But to appreciate that, you must look at your situation in a different light.
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Cedric Loiselle is a highly talented writer providing quality articles for a wide range of niches including health, fitness, andother medical related topics. If you are looking for top notch Milwaukee orthopedic specialists, read his articles for tips and advice.