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Back Pain - Lumbar Laminectomy

Procedure Overview

This is a surgery to remove part of one or more lumbar vertebrae, the bones that make up the lower part of the spine. 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

$ 70,922

Florida State Average

72,177

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 Laminectomy

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 Laminectomy

Surgery that removes part of one or more lumbar vertebrae

NATIONAL

$ 68,795

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

$ 482

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

$ 70,922

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

Laminectomy opens up your spinal canal so your spinal nerves have more room. It may be done along with a diskectomy, foraminotomy, and spinal fusion. You will be asleep and feel no pain (general anesthesia).

  • You lie face down on the operating table. The surgeon makes an incision (cut) in the middle of your back or neck.
  • The skin, muscles, and ligaments are moved to the side. Your surgeon may use a surgical microscope to see inside your back.
  • Part or all of the lamina bones may be removed on both sides of your spine, along with the spinous process, the sharp part of your spine.
  • Your surgeon removes any small disk fragments, bone spurs, or other soft tissue.
  • The surgeon may also do a foraminotomy at this time to widen the opening where nerve roots travel out of the spine.
  • Your surgeon may do a spinal fusion to make sure your spinal column is stable after surgery.
  • The muscles and other tissues are put back in place. The skin is sewn together.
  • Surgery takes 1 - 3 hours.

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

  • You may have an MRI or CT myelogram before the procedure to confirm that you have spinal stenosis.
  • Tell your doctor or nurse what medicines you are taking. This includes medicines, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.
  • Prepare your home for when you leave the hospital.
  • If you are a smoker, you need to stop. People who have spinal fusion and continue to smoke may not heal as well. Ask your doctor for help.
  • Two weeks before surgery, your doctor or nurse may ask you to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical problems, your surgeon will ask you to see your regular doctor.
  • 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.
  • Let your doctor know right away if you get a cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illnesses you may have.
  • You may want to visit a physical therapist to learn some exercises to do before surgery and to practice using crutches.
  • Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital. Be sure to arrive on time.
  • You will likely be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 - 12 hours before the procedure.
  • Take the medicines your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.  

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?
  • Will I need to have other procedures along with the laminectomy?
  • What can I do to increase my chances of feeling 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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