Millions of people require knee surgery every year. However, knee surgery is a big decision, even if it can be the best thing for your health. The cost of surgery is an important factor to consider, and that’s where we come in. Compare all of the costs of knee replacement surgery so that you can make the best decision for your future.
Surgery is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. With the right health insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered no matter what happens. A total knee replacement cost can vary depending on where you live and what insurance policy or provider is used. If your health insurance policy has restrictions, it may also impact how much money will need to come from elsewhere for this procedure to be covered.
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What is knee replacement?
Total knee replacement surgery is a medical procedure in which parts of the knee joint are operated on and cut back to remove any diseased or damaged tissue. The surgery typically takes around one or two hours and often includes replacing damaged parts with prosthetic components made from metal and plastic. Surgeons will perform this procedure on an individual basis depending upon their specific needs for that particular patient
This process can be beneficial for those suffering from severe injuries that have caused them great pain over time; however, it should only serve as one option among many other treatment options available such as medication prescribed by your doctor.
The knee replacement procedure explained
Total knee replacement surgery is an intensive and extensive procedure. While it takes one to two hours, it requires many medical resources, and the patient will have to spend up to a few months recovering and adapting to their new knee. Below is the procedure explained:
- An incision is made in the area of the damaged knee
- The surgeon will remove all of the damaged cartilage and bone from your knee
- The knee will be resurfaced with prosthetics made of metal and plastic
- The prosthetic is attached to the knee bone
- The skin is closed around the knee area and tied up with stitches
How much do knee replacements cost
Typically, knee replacement cost Australia will typically depend on several factors, including the type and degree of damage that needs to be fixed. The average price for this procedure is between $17,000 and $30,000 but can vary depending upon individual circumstances, such as whether you have other health problems or not. Remember that generally the knee surgery cost Australia includes doctors’ and surgeons’ fees, hospital fees, and anaesthetic.
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists several knee replacement procedures for which it will provide a benefit of 75% if you are an Australian public patient. However, if you have private health insurance and your policy includes coverage for knee replacement, you can expect to pay as little as $1,000 out-of-pocket costs. Having private health insurance also allows you to choose your surgeon and hospital, giving you more control over your expenses.
Ways to find out how much does a knee replacement cost in Australia
Before confirming your knee replacement surgery, you can review many things to ensure you receive the best costs. If you aren’t careful, you could face significant knee replacement costs due to the lack of research.
Below are several ways you can find out what a knee replacement surgery will cost you:
- Call your surgeon or more than one surgeon and ask them what their charge is. You may find that some surgeons cost more than others.
- Find out if your chosen surgeon is on your private health insurance preference list, as this usually provides you with benefits and more coverage.
- Make sure there are no unexpected out-of-pocket expenses by getting an estimate of extras. Anaesthetic can be included in extras.
- Receive a Medicare code. You can contact your private health insurance provider for the code.
Does health insurance cover a knee replacement surgery?
Yes, certain level policies of private health insurance cover the cost of knee replacement. Joint replacements are covered generally on Gold hospital insurance policies. Health providers can also choose to add joint replacement coverage for patients with Bronze or Silver plans , but it is optional. If chosen, it will be under a ‘plus’ policy.
The amount that will need to come out-of-pocket varies depending on your excess and where or when surgery takes place; plus, there are always some additional expenses no matter what package plan you choose. The cost of your knee replacement surgery will depend on the health fund that you choose.
Some funds offer very limited benefits, while others provide comprehensive coverage for all medical expenses. Be sure to contact your private health insurance provider to confirm your insurance coverage.
Compare public vs private knee replacement
The below amounts are an estimated average for knee replacement surgery. Prices sdepend on the intensity of the procedure, private health insurance policy, insurance coverage, and company, etc. It’s also important to note that there may be some out of pocket costs that you may need to cover as private health insurance may not cover all of the costs associated with your knee replacement.
| Type | Cost | Coverage | Out-of-pocket | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public | $17,000 | $12,750 | $4,250 | 203 Days |
| Private | $17,000 | $16,750 | $250 | 76 Days |
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Private health insurance use in Australian hospitals 2006–07 to 2016–17
Signs that you may need a full or partial knee replacement
If you’re in pain, there are many things that can be done to help alleviate the discomfort other than undergoing knee replacement surgery. However, if the pain continues, it’s likely all other treatments haven’t worked before this point, and your doctor may recommend knee or joint replacement surgery, this could be a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement.
Below are the signs of needing knee surgery:
- Medication, even including injections, is not decreasing or improving the pain
- Weight loss and regular exercise have not stopped the pain
- You start to experience an inability to move around
- You can no longer place pressure on your knee
Frequently asked questions and answers
How much does it cost to have a knee replacement?
If you’re looking for the most affordable option, total knee replacements are typically priced between $17,000 and $30,000. On average, a cruciate ligament repair will cost about $5,000 – $14,000, so it’s worth checking out all your options before making any decisions. The final price you will have to pay, known as out-of-pocket costs, depends if you are a public or private patient, the doctor, the hospital, and the anaesthetic used. Partial knee replacements are cheaper.What does a knee replacement cost in Australia?
While it depends on if the surgery is either a total or partial knee replacement, knee surgeries can be expensive, so it’s important to compare prices and options before making a decision. In general, most people replace their knees for around $17,000 and $30,000 depending on factors such as the location of surgery (private vs public) doctor who performs the operation and whether they use an operating room staff or not. This final price will depend largely upon how much money you have available versus what kind of insurance plan provides coverage, so make sure there are no hidden surprises.Are knee replacements free in Australia?
No, knee replacement surgery is never free in Australia. Knee replacements are typically priced between $17,000 and 30,000. The final price you’ll have to pay, known as out-of-pocket costs, depends on whether it’s a public or private patient, the doctor/hospital where surgery was done, and what type of anaesthetic was used during the procedure.Is knee replacement worth doing?
Knee replacement surgery has been shown to provide relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. The improvement in mobility will allow you more freedom, allowing for a better quality of life that also includes being able to do things around your house without needing help with lighter tasks like grocery shopping or laundry sending. So, for many people, knee replacement is well worth it.What is the best age for a knee replacement?
Knee replacement can be performed on anyone who is experiencing knee pain. The decision to have this surgery depends entirely upon you, the individual’s level of discomfort and handicap that they feel will benefit them most in his life now as well as down the road after procedure completion. The average age of knee replacement is performed on people aged 50 to 80 years, but there is no specific age required to receive knee replacement surgery.What can you not do after knee replacement?
When you have a knee replacement, it is important to follow your surgeon’s advice. It may seem tempting and natural for people who have just undergone such an eventful procedure, but there are certain movements that can cause more harm than good. Avoid intense exercise immediately after knee replacement, such as running. Don’t put too much weight or pressure on the new knee. Kneeling can also be harmful.Does Medicare cover knee reconstruction?
Medicare offers a great option for those who are looking to have their knee replaced. You will not be able to choose which doctor or hospital performs your surgery, but with the help of United Healthcare’s Medicare-funded surgeries, there will be fewer to no out-of-pocket costs. However, people wait months before receiving the operation, which can make their condition worse.How long does it take to recuperate from a knee replacement?
Recovery from knee surgeries can take many different forms, depending on the severity of your problem and which surgery you have. Most people can walk independently after 1-2 weeks though this varies depending upon an individual’s condition. Generally, it takes six weeks for the knee to fully heal. It is important for patients to work closely with their doctors and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly. If neglectful, the patient might be risking further complications down the road, such as being fatigued easily or even developing arthritis later.
