How to Determine the Cost of Bunion Surgery in NYC
Posted April 30, 2024 in Uncategorized
This blog discusses the benefits of third-party-free providers, how the team at Chelsea Foot & Ankle advocates for our patients by providing competitive pricing and negotiation with insurance companies, and how we can help determine accurate cost estimates for bunion surgery and other popular podiatric treatments.
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How Does Insurance Affect Bunion Surgery Costs?
At Chelsea Foot & Ankle, we understand that the changing landscape of American healthcare can make it difficult for patients to find reliable medical care within a comfortable price range, even with insurance. To provide the highest level of care, our podiatrists are third-party free, operating as out-of-network providers for our patients.
What this means is that we do not have to abide by limitations set by insurance companies, such as how much diagnostic testing is allowed or what type of treatment to administer. This gives our doctors the freedom to treat our patients to the full extent that they need, whereas insurance companies try to limit the amount of care the physician can provide. Some benefits of seeing a third-party free physician include:
- There is no “middleman.” Our responsibility is to our patients only. None of our doctors is obligated to change their care or have a conflict of interest–the patient’s needs are paramount.
- The patient has more freedom. By choosing a third-party free physician, patients have the agency to choose the doctor they want and feel comfortable with.
- No referrals. Third-party free physicians do not require a complicated referral process.
To learn more about our third-party free philosophy, please see our insurance information page here.
How Much Is Bunion Surgery in NYC?
Our number one priority is always our patients; we’re here to provide excellent, thorough, and equitable care for every patient who walks through our doors. We do this by acting as a liaison between the patient and insurance company, being absolutely transparent with our pricing, and helping our patients understand our billing process so they can become advocates for themselves in the future.
If we don’t work with insurance companies, you may be wondering how we determine the cost of bunion surgery. Since we are out-of-network providers, as long as your insurance plan has out-of-network benefits, part of the cost may be covered by your insurance policy. Even if you have no insurance or you do not have out-of-network benefits, we can help.
The Chelsea Foot & Ankle Process
Our goal is to provide a consistent, high standard of care for each patient. If you seek treatment at Chelsea Foot & Ankle, our office manager and billing coordinator, Michael Suchman, will work with you to determine exactly what you can expect to pay, with or without insurance.
Before your consultation, Michael will research your benefits and give a rough estimate of how much coverage your policy may provide. However, consultation and examination are necessary for a better assessment, as there are different types of procedures and surgeries that are used for different types of bunions, and these various procedures vary in cost.
After your examination, Dr. Ciment will be able to recommend your procedure. Once you have that information, Michael can research the surgical center where your procedure will be performed, as the cost of anesthesia and facility fees will vary. This aspect of the cost is out of our control, as it’s up to the center.
At our practice, we have a minimum cost for each procedure. This amount is consistent for each patient, whether they have insurance or not, which enables our prices to remain equitable. This minimum fee is the lowest dollar amount that we will accept as payment for any procedure and will cover the expense of the surgery, including compensation for the doctor’s time and the level of skill involved in the procedure.
By examining prospective costs for facility fees at specific surgical centers, the coverage your insurance may pay based on past patterns, and the practice minimum, our team makes every effort to provide the most accurate cost estimate for our patients. Michael and the entire team at Chelsea Foot & Ankle are advocates for our patients, working to provide excellent care at the lowest possible out-of-pocket price.
What Do I Do If I Have Bunions?
If you have painful bunions that are obstructing your ability to walk, it’s crucial that you make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible. Our bunion specialists can examine your condition and create a treatment plan that best suits your physical needs.
Our doctors always consider the breadth of the patient, as understanding your lifestyle, goals, and concerns results in a more effective treatment plan. We also maintain a conservative approach whenever possible, which means we avoid surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. If surgery is required, we will construct a plan that gets you out of recovery and back on your feet as soon as possible.
Interested in Bunion Surgery in NYC?
If you think you might need bunion surgery, call our experts at Chelsea Foot & Ankle at (646) 929-4149 today to schedule a consultation. Our third-party free status means you do not need a referral to make an appointment, and your care is always our number one priority. We look forward to hearing from you.