Greetings and thanks for being here. Contemplating surgery

**himichael** · 05-21-2011, 08:36 PM

Hi

I'm contemplating surgery and hope to avoid fusion. Does anybody know the cost of cervical ADR here or in Germany?

**Justin** · 05-24-2011, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by himichael

Hi

I'm contemplating surgery and hope to avoid fusion. Does anybody know the cost of cervical ADR here or in Germany?

Hi himichael,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

I guess "here" is in the United States, right? A one-level cervical artificial disc replacement surgery can be all over the place in terms of cost. You have to factor in not only the cost of the device, but surgeons charge different rates as do hospitals for in-patient stays.

A one-level operation in Germany runs roughly around $20-30k. This figure frequently includes hospital stay and associated costs (back brace, pre-operative testing, etc.).

**himichael** · 05-24-2011, 05:09 PM

Justin,
Thanks. That is very helpful. I just didn't have even a ballpark idea.

Yes. "Here" meant in the U.S. (Not as provincial as I sound, having lived in Europe for many years.) Is that 30K number good for cervical ADR? Looks like your experience is with lumbar.

thanks again. -michael

**Justin** · 05-24-2011, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by himichael

Justin,
Thanks. That is very helpful. I just didn't have even a ballpark idea.

Yes. "Here" meant in the U.S. (Not as provincial as I sound, having lived in Europe for many years.) Is that 30K number good for cervical ADR? Looks like your experience is with lumbar.

thanks again. -michael

Sure thing, Michael. About $30K is a good "ballpark" number (the device can range from ~$6k to $12K). The hospital stay (what the hospital bills) will be, by far, the most expensive part of the total bill. A surgeon will usually be reimbursed less than the cost of the device.

Good luck.