On average, SLAP tear surgery cost ranges from $15,000 to $33,000 without health coverage. However, don’t be surprised if more bills jump in with extra costs as the hospital billings and fees of the doctor might also be included. Moreover, the whole procedure might also involve multiple X-rays or MRIs to locate the tear in your shoulder. 

Factors Affecting The Cost Of The Surgery

There are many reasons why the SLAP tear surgery cost varies. The factors that affect the cost include:

• Location

• Insured or uninsured surgery

• Inpatient and outpatient care costs

• Additional visits to the doctor’s clinic

• Therapy sessions

Location

Your location can significantly affect the cost of the surgical procedure. If you are living in a rural area, you will probably have to pay more as there are fewer facilities and providers. Whereas, in cities where there is a large number of facilities and health care units, you will have to pay less. 

Insured or uninsured

The overall price of the surgery depends upon how much your insurance plan if there’s any, will be able to pay. The cost that remains after the insurance has been covered, will be covered from your pocket. On the off-chance that you don’t have any insurance, you can expect to pay the full price of the surgery from your pocket. 

Inpatient and outpatient cost differences

Inpatient facilities charge more as compared to outpatient facilities, which are usually funded and charge much less. 

Additional visits to the doctor’s clinic

In many cases, you may have to visit your doctor after the surgery. Many patients go to the doctor only once a year unless there are any issues with the shoulder. 

Therapy sessions

After the surgery, you must attend therapy sessions until your shoulder is fixed. These sessions will range from $50 to $180 without health coverage.

Average cost 

An average SLAP tear surgery cost is $25,925 and can vary from $7000 to $33,000 approximately. The surgery might cost around $26,000 at inpatient care facilities and around $16,000 on average at outpatient care facilities, using the same procedure. Several clinics charge dollars per minute, leading to increased expenses. After the surgery is performed, you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days and most hospitals charge approximately $600 to $2000 per night, thus, increasing your expenses.

Insured cost

The insured cost of the SLAP tear surgery may vary depending upon the insurance plan that you have. If you have an insurance plan, it will cover most of the cost, and you may have to pay $1,500 from your own pocket. On the off- chance that your insurance plan does not cover the whole cost, you can expect to pay some, if not all, from your own pocket.

Uninsured cost

If you don’t have insurance, you can expect to pay the whole price from your pocket. 

Cost of anesthesia

Anesthesia, which is given during the operation, is often charged outside of the surgery with a price ranging from $1000 to $2000. 

All things considered, a SLAP tear surgery costs approximately between $15,000 and $33,000. Taking into consideration the insurance programs, they may or may not cover the whole cost of the surgery and you can expect to pay at least $1000 from your pocket even if you have an insurance plan. There are many reasons why a SLAP tear surgery cost can vary. An individual with an insurance plan will have to pay much less compared to one with no insurance plan. Likewise, individuals from inpatient facilities will have to pay more than the ones from outpatient care facilities. In drawing to a close, don’t worry if more bills start coming in with greater prices as hospital rent and doctor’s fees might also be included.

How to save money?

Surgery isn’t always the answer, try to find other alternatives such as physical therapy if the tear is not extreme. 

What is the price of SLAP tear surgery at maximum?

SLAP tear surgery can be $35,000 at maximum.

Is it necessary to attend therapy sessions after surgery?

 It is not necessary but if you can afford it, try your best to attend therapy sessions as these will help prevent the labrum from getting damaged again. 

If I don’t have any insurance, are there any other alternatives?

There are various programs and health care centers that are funded by the government to help people who cannot afford medical treatments. You may get help from there.