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Back Pain - Lumbar Diskectomy

Procedure Overview

This surgery involves removing all or part of the disk that cushions or lubricates the bones in the back and protects the spinal column. This care bundle includes a visit with the surgeon before surgery, 9 visits with a physical therapist after surgery and 3 visits with the surgeon after surgery.

How Are These Numbers Calculated?

The cost information on this website is estimated and is based on roughly 67.6 million claims from a set of insurers and their reported negotiated rates with providers. These estimates are trended to and considered valid through July 1, 2019 based upon claims paid between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

Cost Overview

National Average

$ 27,410

Florida State Average

32,294

Our prices are estimates based on an average and may not be your actual costs. Your costs may be higher or lower for a number of reasons, including insurance deductibles, how sick you are, or other factors.

Cost Breakdowns

Our estimated cost information is not a guarantee of payment or benefits. Your actual costs may be higher or lower than the estimate.

Back Pain - Lumbar Diskectomy

This procedure includes the following steps and procedures. Costs are broken out by step.

STEP 1
Office Visit with Specialist for Evaluation

A visit with a specialist for a detailed evaluation and treatment of your back pain

NATIONAL

$ 315

State ()

NA

STEP 2
MRI of Lumbar Spine

MRI of lower (lumbar) spine

NATIONAL

$ 1,016

State ()

NA

STEP 3
Lumbar Diskectomy

Surgery that removes the cushion between two lumbar vertebrae

NATIONAL

$ 25,257

State ()

NA

STEP 4
Outpatient Physical Therapy

An exercise program guided by a professional who understands the special needs of people recovering from back surgery

NATIONAL

$ 508

State ()

NA

STEP 5
Follow-up Office Visit

Three follow up office visits after you have left the hospital

NATIONAL

$ 314

State ()

NA

TOTAL

NATIONAL

$ 27,410

State ()

What to Expect

Before you see your health care provider, learn more about this procedure, treatment or test. Remember that individual treatment plans and patient experiences may vary. This information is provided to help you understand what may happen during your visit or treatment.

About this Procedure

A surgeon may perform disk removal (diskectomy) in these different ways.

  • Microdiskectomy: When you have a microdiskectomy, the surgeon does not need to do much surgery on the bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles of your spine.
  • Diskectomy in the lower part of your back (lumbar spine) may be part of a larger surgery that also includes a laminectomy, foraminotomy, or spinal fusion.
  • Diskectomy in your neck (cervical spine) is most often done along with laminectomy, foraminotomy, or fusion.
  • The surgeon makes a small (1 to 1-1/2 inch) incision (cut) on your back and moves the back muscles away from your spine. The doctor uses a special microscope to see the problem disk or disks and nerves during surgery.
  • The surgeon finds the nerve root and moves it away. Then the surgeon removes the injured disk tissue and pieces of the disk. The surgeon puts the back muscles back in place, and closes the wound with stitches or staples.
  • The surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours.
  • The surgeon makes a larger cut on your back over the spine. Muscles and tissue are moved to expose your spine.
  • A small part of the lamina bone (part of the vertebrae that surrounds the spinal column and nerves) is cut away. The opening may be as large as the ligament that runs along your spine. The surgeon cuts a small hole in the disk that is causing your symptoms and removes material from inside. Other fragments of the disk may also be removed.

Microdiskectomy is done in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. You will be given spinal anesthesia (to numb your spine area) or general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). Diskectomy and laminotomy are usually done in the hospital, using general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free).

How to Prepare

Sometimes there are things you can do that may positively affect your outcome. Here are some examples. Be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your provider.

On the Day of the Procedure

  • Always tell your doctor or nurse what medicines you are taking, even medicines or herbs you bought without a prescription.
  • Prepare your home for when you come back from the hospital.
  • If you are a smoker, you need to stop. Your recovery will be slower and possibly not as good if you continue to smoke. Ask your doctor for help.
  • Two weeks before surgery, you may be asked to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and other medicines like these.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical problems, your surgeon will ask you to see the doctors who treat you for those conditions.
  • Talk with your doctor if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol.
  • Ask your doctor which medicines you should still take on the day of the surgery.
  • Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illnesses you may have.
  • You may want to visit the physical therapist to learn some exercises to do before surgery and to practice using crutches.
  • You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
  • Take the medicines your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
  • Bring your cane, walker, or wheelchair if you have one already. Also bring shoes with flat, nonskid soles.
  • Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

What to Ask

To get the best quality of care, be informed! Don’t be afraid to ask for a clearer explanation or to ask questions. Consider these topics when talking with your provider.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

  • What are the pros and cons of back surgery?
  • What can I do to speed up my recovery and feel better following surgery?
  • How much relief can I anticipate following the surgery?

Related Procedures

Here are some other procedures and tests that may relate to your condition, or could serve as alternative options to explore with your provider. Remember that individual treatment plans and patient experiences may vary.

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