It would cost around $10,000 – $50,000 to have a Tommy John surgery without insurance. However, we cannot give a specific price as it depends on many factors.
Typically, one would expect that an individual has an insurance plan if they want to undergo a surgical process. But we see that some people do not have insurance plans, or their insurance policies do not cover the surgery.
So, if someone is in such a situation and wants to undergo a Tommy John surgery, it would cost around $10,000 – $50,000.
For clarification, a Tommy John surgery is the correction of the UCL ligament in the elbow. The process involves both a surgical and rehabilitation process. And it takes more than a year for proper correction to happen.
Factors That Can Affect The Price Of A Tommy John Surgery
Below are some of the reasons why there isn’t a specific price for a Tommy John surgery:
The Severity Of Your Condition
Typically, the severity of your cases will always be an important factor in any condition, and it isn’t any different in a Tommy John surgery. You would often see that some cases are worst than others. Thus, you cannot expect the same amount for all surgeries.
For example, it could be that all the UCL ligaments in person A got torn, while it could be a slight tear for person B. of course, both parties would need a Tommy John surgery, but it would not be for the same amount.
Also, you could see that some people would not need any rehabilitation process after the Tommy John surgery, while others may need it. Therefore, you can be sure that they would not spend the same amount.
The severity of a person’s case would also determine the amount they get to pay. And, the worst the case, the higher the amount they will pay for the surgery.
Insurance Coverage
It should be common knowledge that having insurance policies and plans will lessen your burdens when you have to undergo surgery, and a Tommy John surgery is not an exception.
You would see that insurance coverage always comes in handy as the insurance company will pay a part of it. So, you do not need to worry about spending much if you have health insurance coverage.
However, if you are not under any health insurance plan, you are sure that you would be spending a lot of money which may affect your bank account. Unfortunately, we see that many people do not recover from the effect of the cost implication of a Tommy John surgery.
People always advise others to have a health insurance plan, especially for surgical cases, as surgeries can be expensive. So, those with insurance coverage will pay lesser than others for a Tommy John surgery.
The Hospital
Where are you doing your Tommy John surgery? The location or the hospital you use for a Tommy John surgery can also determine the price you would pay for the surgery.
It would also interest you to know that hospitals in less popular cities are more affordable than hospitals in more popular cities. So, you can see how the location and hospital you use can affect the price you would pay for the surgery.
Also, it should not be surprised when people use hospitals different from their regular hospitals when they want to undergo surgery. Typically, humans would love and prefer to go for more affordable options, and they do not mind if they have to change their hospital.
After all, everyone would agree that undergoing a Tommy John surgery is expensive, and it is always the best idea to save cost. So, the hospital you use is a determinant.
It should also be common knowledge that you would be paying extra hospital fees when you have to undergo surgery. After all, the surgical process isn’t the only service that the hospital would offer you.
However, you would not be getting the same services from all hospitals. So, the extra services you get from a hospital would be added to your bill, serving as a factor that determines how much you would be paying for your Tommy John surgery.
For example, if you need extra medications and the hospital provides them, you are sure it would be added as an extra bill. In addition, there could also be x-ray and surgery room charges to pay. All these differ according to the hospital you use. So, we cannot pick a specific price or cost for a Tommy John surgery.
However, we can say that it falls between the ranges of $10,000 – $50,000.
Why You Should Not Do A Tommy John Surgery Without Insurance
1. Cost Implication: How much do you have or are you willing to spend on a surgical process? Allow us to tell you that the cost of a Tommy John surgery is expensive. Therefore, it would be best that you have insurance coverage for it. If you do not have an insurance plan that covers your Tommy John surgery, you can be sure that it would put a dent in your bank account. And, we know that you do not want sure to happen.
2. Detrimental To Your Mental Health: Have you ever thought about what happens after your Tommy John surgery? Have you thought about how life would go on? Of course, you would need money to continue living. But, it could be that the surgical process has drained your account. Sadly, we see that people end up overthinking, and it becomes detrimental to their mental health. It is why everyone should have insurance coverage, especially one that can cover a Tommy John surgery.
Cost Of A Tommy John Surgery In Different US Cities
| States | Cost |
| Colorado | $10,000 – $26,000 |
| Maine | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Ohio | $5,000 – $50,000 |
| Alabama | $10,000 – $50,000 |
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions are:
How Much Does UCL Repair Surgery Cost?
A UCL repair surgery in the United States would cost between $5,000 to $50,000. The figure is dependent on many factors, including insurance coverage. So, we cannot give a specific amount.
How Long Does Tommy John Surgery?
A typical Tommy John surgery would last between one to two hours. Yes, the procedure does not take long, but the healing period could extend for even up to a year.
Is Tommy John Surgery Expensive?
Yes, we can say that a Tommy John surgery is expensive, especially when you do not have insurance coverage for the surgical process.
Conclusion
You would spend a higher amount on a Tommy John surgery when you do not have internet coverage.
So, it is always best to have health insurance coverage.
Sources
How Much Does Tommy John Surgery Cost?
What to Expect From Tommy John Surgery
Tommy John Surgery (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction)
Don’t Have Health Insurance? What’s the Worst That Could Happen?