A new study published in Spine examines the geographic variation in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion as well as posterolateral fusion costs.
The researchers examined Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment data to investigate costs for ACDF, PLF and total knee arthroplasty. Here are five key notes from the study:
1. The combined professional and facility fees for single-level ACDF were $13,899 on average nationwide. Total costs for single-level PLF were $25,858 on average.
2. Total TKA costs were $13,039 on average nationwide. TKA costs increased to $22,138 for patients with major comorbidities.
3. There were significant differences in total costs for all three procedures across geographic regions and between patients with and without major complications or comorbidities. The Midwest had the lowest costs for all procedures.
4. There were similar geographic trends in spinal fusion and TKA costs, suggesting that variations may not be specific to spine-related procedures.
5. The surgical costs correlated with the cost of living but weren't associated with the state's population.