How Much Does Bunion Surgery Cost?
Posted under: Cost & Price Overview of Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery costs average $3,000 to $4,700, depending on the complexity of the procedure and where the patient lives. The average cost of bunion surgery nationwide is $3,263. The lowest prices for this type of surgery tend to be in the southern US with costs averaging $3900, while the east and west coasts have the highest fees averaging $4,600.
Bunions are a painful condition of the foot and are often the result of wearing shoes that are too narrow, have high heels or a combination of both. The constant stress on the tendon in the upper-mid foot of the big toe cannot contract properly since there is not enough room in the shoe for the toe to flex properly. Instead of flexing upward when walking, the toe pushes toward the second toe mis-aligning the joint. While there are many bunion treatments available, such as new shoes, anti-inflammatory drugs, or orthotics, some sufferers only find relief through surgery.
Why Have Bunion Surgery?
Surgery is generally performed by a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. Studies cited by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons show an 85% – 90% post-surgery satisfaction rate. Surgery is not considered the first line of treatment for bunions. Surgery is generally only considered under the following circumstances:
- The pain limits the patient’s daily activities.
- The big toe is chronically inflamed and the inflammation is not responding to rest or medication.
- The toe no longer able to bend or straighten.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs no longer provide relief from bunion pain.
- All other treatments, including orthotics, shoe changes and anti-inflammatory drugs, fail to resolve the pain.
Types of Surgery
There are five types of surgery available to correct bunions. The surgeon will determine which type of surgery is best based on the deformity and other factors such as the patient’s age and physical condition.
- Repair of Tendons and Ligaments. This surgery shortens the ligaments that have become too loose and loosens the tendons and ligaments that are too tight to realign the toe into proper position.
- Arthrodesis. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the joint and inserts metal screws or plates to hold the joint together until it has completely healed. This procedure is only used in patients with severe arthritis, serious structural deformities or when other procedures fail.
- Exostectomy. This procedure removes only the bump from the outer edge of the toe if the toe has not drifted. It is rarely used since it does not address the cause of the bunion.
- Resection Arthroplasty. This procedure “creates a flexible ‘scar’ joint” by removing the damaged part of the joint (orthoino.aaos.org). This is generally done in older patients, those with serious arthritis, or who have had previously unsuccessful bunion surgery.
- Osteotomy. This procedure surgically cuts and realigns the joint.
Bunion Surgery Cost Breakdown
The cost of bunion surgery is broken down into three components.
- Surgical Repair/Physician’s Fee. This fee includes the physician’s charge to do the procedure and any post-operative care that is required.
- Facility Services. Bunion surgery is generally performed in an outpatient surgery center. This fee includes pre-operative testing, operating room fees, supplies and any medications that are provided during the surgery.
- Anesthesia Services. Anesthesia is generally billed separately and includes the time the anesthesiologist is administering anesthesia and any pre or post-operative services.
Surgery is a serious undertaking and patients should discuss all their options with their doctor prior to any procedure. However, for those unable to find relief from non-surgical options, bunion surgery may be the best way to become pain free.
What is the average cost of Bunion Surgery and straightening of the 2nd and 3rd toe. My big toe has caused the second and third toe to curve away from the big toe. The 2nd and 3rd toe appear longer than the 2nd and 3rd toes on the other foot too.
I’m having a chevron bunionectomy done in August 22, this is a simple procedure.
I live in Key West, Fl. on a chain of islands 100 miles from the Florida City (2.5 hour drive).
Since it is an out patient, the hospitals’ estimate is $21,316.67, but since I have no insurance and I am paying up front in full on my credit card- the hospital is taking 64% off so it would be $7,674.00;
The anesthesiologist is taking 53% off so I would pay up front in full $550.00;
The surgeon/physician is taking 55% off his bill if I pay up front in full.
In Key West it is roughly between $9,000 to $9,750 to have a bunionectomy.
In Ohio My brother had a bunionectomy done on his one foot and cost a little over $10,000.
Your info on cost of bunionectomy is off, you forgot the cost has gone up, and never factored in the hospital, anesthesiologist or surgeon/physician.
My bunion surgery cost 16,000 before the insurance kicked in, but judging by the way the bill was written, it appears they double billed me for some supplies and pharmacy costs, so we’re going to have a little talk about this, and I;m going to ask for proof if I’m not satisfied.
I stand corrected the hospital would be over $53,000, but they are taking 64% off. The operation is out patient and a very simple procedure with no difficulties; I asked my doctor who performed the procedure himself. The hospital charged me roughly $10,080.00, now I got another bill in the mail from the hospital saying I owe $13,000. So, in effect I would be paying a little over $23,000, but I am going to show the hospital I paid $10,780 ( $7440.69 at the hospital on day of surgery and $3340.20 from their online HMA portal… The Health Management Associates owns 23 hospitals/medical centers in FL, especially the Lower Keys Medical Center her in Key West). My husband makes a modesty check, I have no job, but will be looking in Nov/Dec, and hopefully we can afford insurance with me working.
Tzipporah you made me realize the LKMC may be doing the same thing. We will go in Monday to billings Dept. to see if there was a mistake, (I wonder if there is a lack of communication here). We have proof of paying online the $3344.20 plus in hospital pre- pay of 7440.69… so I should owe less like around under $3000.
Tzipporah, I am glad I read your post, and had a discussion with my husband; We looked over the hospital bill and find there are 5 to 8 charges in each category, which are repeats… I couldn’t believe I overlooked this; I was only in the out patient OR for an hour and was told what was being used and what to expect; I had simple chevron osteotomy operation with no complications. 3 weeks post op there is no pain or discomfort. Doctor Loeffler is the best Orthopedic Surgeon I could ask for.
I am still investigating, so, waiting for the hospital’s billing department to call and ask questions and I’ll be calling Dr. Loeffler’s office to get his statement.
I’ll post my results later.
Update October
I called the Hospital of the outrageous charges and they found discrepancy on their part, so I got the adjustment on my bill and only owed $2300 extra. I only paid in full just a bit shy under $10,000.
My last post op is November 22, YEAH!!
Faye’s estimates make me wish I lived in Florida. I just had bunion surgery on one foot in June, 2013 and my total bills (so far) are $40,000. I’m in a suburb of Chicago. I went to an out-patient surgical center, thinking it would be cheaper than a hospital, and their charge was $28,000. The surgeon charged almost $10,000. The anesthesiologist charged $2,000.
Marge, I can’t believe your bills are that much. I just started researching prospective podiatrists/orthopedic surgeons around Chicago & suburbs. Guess I’d better also check rates. Maybe in Wisconsin.
Tzipporah,
Sorry a year after surgery, no pain a al and the Hospital checked their records and readjusted to the correct amount of $2880.00. Now I am free and clear of the bill. It did take a whole year to pay it off, but we did it. I am still looking for a job. I only have one thing though, my right big to is starting to form a bunion extremely slowly, no pain and no bump…yet.
Marge,
I stand corrected, I actually owed around $13480.00. The last bill tallied everything correctly after a tug of war what I paid and didn’t pay. It took a year to completely pay off my surgery bill.
I am also in a suburb of chicago, earn less than 30,000 per year and even though I have insurance, I’m scared stiff what this procedure will cost.
But the pain, difficulty in finding shoes, limitations of my daily activities, knowledge that this is a progressive condition and the fact I’m a diabetic (which means I’m prone to serious foot disorders) make me feel I need to have something done about my bunion.
I am not overweight but it’s important I stay active every day to help keep blood sugar levels in check…even going for a simple walk is out of the question with my toe as it is.
I went in for surgery and was told by my doctor that the cost is about $4,000.00 a foot and that is what I read everywhere. When the bills came in I was stunned the Oak Brook Surgical Center billed BCBS $45,560.00 for one foot and $29,705.12 for the other foot. I called my doctor and he too was surprised and told me to request an itemized bill, which he is going to look over. BCBS paid the sugical center $$15,854.88 on one bill and $8,995.73 on the other. I the surgical center and asked if there was some mistake and they informed me that the doctor has no idea what they charge; and when I called to question BCBS they told me not to worry because they have a contract with the surgical center and the amounts are all approved. They also told me it was none of my concern since I have a high dedectable of $2,500 and that should be my only concern. I just do not understand how you can be quoted one price and everywhere you look on the internet states the same thing – the cost is around $4,000.00. My doctors bill was only 1164.00 per foot and the anesthesia was $450.00. I was told that what BCBS does is mail out a check to the facilities and then within 90 days the facilities mail aout a pay back check to BCBS and in the end the surgical facility will get around $4000.00 but the patient and their employers have no idea of this.
oh my goodness! this is so expensive!!! how much out-of-pocket do you have to pay with your BCBS insurance? that’s the insurance I currently have and my surgery for a Lapidus Bunionectomy is scheduled for Friday. My surgeon has yet to provide me with an itemized estimate. He’s only advised that it would cost around $4,000.00 at an outpatient facility but just yesterday, he’s told me he now wants to move my surgery to a hospital (as an outpatient) which has me concerned. I am thinking of cancelling this surgery now.
Hello, your prices are way off. $17,000+ before insurance for 1 foot in FL. The hospital outpatient cost was $12,000 alone.
Never trust what a Dr tells you it’s going to cost. Here they are griping to pharma reps about drug costs and they never tell patients the truth about their costs! Best thing to do is not allow these foot Drs to operate unless absolutely necessary. Take care of your feet and wear comfortable shoes!
I didn’t have a choice as to what footware to don when I was 5 years old and my parents were very good at making sure I had wide enough shoes for my feet. Please believe me when I tell you my bunions are genetic. My similiarly afflicted relatives on my maternal grandfather’s side would be most grateful, too. We have had up to 10 relatives stand in a line with our bunions lined up. Even with this demonstration, some people are too ignorant and set in their ways to even see the uncanny similiarity of our bunions. And our bunions are SEVERE.
I am sick to death of people telling me I have bunions because my parents were too ignorant to buy me the right size shoes. I have had bunions since I was about 5 or 6 years old. AND IT IS GENETIC!! EVERY member of my maternal grandfather’s family has GENETIC bunions. I have lived in pain ALL of my life and that pain has precluded me from EVER wearing high heeled shoes. I grew up envying all the other girls who could flaunt their ultra pretty feet in lovely shoes while I was stuck hiding my hideous feet in combat boots. I am addicted to platforms because they are the only decent looking footware I can wear without constantly biting back tears of pain. It SUCKS! REALLY, REALLY SUCKS! And I am biting mad at the belittling comments from ignorant know-it-alls. Now I am seriously considering surgery because the pain is too much and too damned frequent -like in ALL the time. I was hoping to see the “non-genetic cause” only theory being debunked on this kind of site. Now I wonder if I will ever get a reprieve from the ignorance. By the way, the podiatrists will, and have, backed me up. But no one else will. I am so bummed.
Thank you!!!
I’ve also had this problem since I was a child and always heard the same garbage! I always knew it wasn’t a shoe problem but I’d always hide my feet because I never wanted anyone to think I had bad or negligent parents!! Ugh!!!
And yes! The pain is terrible!!! Some nights the pain kept me awake in tears. My mom looked into surgery when I was about 16 but the insurance company said they wouldn’t cover it because it was a cosmetic issue! It sucks because I always loved going to the beach but I’d always hide my feet in the sand or quickly run into the ocean hoping no one would notice.
About a month ago, I was at my cousin’s house and we were in a big hurry to be somewhere. I had to run into her garage and grab something quickly before we left. Her garage had windows and it was daytime, so I didn’t bother turning on the light. She had a huge piece of exercise equipment in there but I didn’t realize how far the base extended. So I ran in at full speed and SLAMMED my foot against the metal base!
Yeah, I understand injuries hurt but I hit my foot right below my freakin’ bunion!!
I’m sure you understand how much worse it felt with that stupid bunion problem!
OMG!! That was awful!!!
But anyway…I just wanted to say that I do appreciate your comment and I feel your pain.
Don’t let those morons bring you down! I totally understand where you’re coming from!
My Son is 13 with bunions just like his Dad. His Dad had surgery on his bunion 2 years ago at age 52. We are very careful what we put on our feet. He wears orthopedics from the Walking Store. I will wait for his feet to reach maturity and then he will have bunion surgery on both feet. I have one bunion on my right foot. I also have pronation. I wear brooks sneakers which helps. Any other shoe that touches the bunion makes it painful and my right toe has turned with a callus. I don’t think my bunion is hereditary but the pronation is.
How long is the recovery time. I have a very demanding job. I walk and stay on my feet for long periods of time.
Art
Art,
Just talked to my Dr. today about having surgery. At least for me they will break and reset the bone correctly. He said I will be in a “boot” for 6 weeks. I will have to stay off my foot the 1st week (except to go to the bathroom). The 2nd week I can start to put a little pressure on it. And see from there on. At 3 months he said I could have the other foot done. That was as early as he would recommend. Although, he said some want to have it done after only 3 weeks. He also said to keep in mind that it will be a full 6 months to totally recover. All I can think about is to start on some calcium now! Good luck!
I am scheduled for surgery on June 6, 2014. I tried to get info on how much the hospital would cost and was given a real runaround. Since I have BCBS I figured how bad could it be? The hospital called today telling me their charge is $24,000 (the surgeon only between $600 and $800) BCBS disallows some of the hospitals charges which brought the bill down to $12,738. My 80% plus what I have not met on my deductible amounts to $2,548.00. The hospital strong armed me, trying to get me to pay right then on the phone by offering a $15% discount. I refused and paid them a down payment instead. I felt like I was dealing with a shoddy used car dealership. I could “only get the discount if I paid right then, could not take an hour to think about it” Seriously?
In response to Nicola, I really feel for your bunion problem. My 32 yr old daughter has severe bunions (inherited from her paternal grandmother). She is just about the same age as when her grandmother had surgery.
We are looking for cost options to pay to have hers removed. She unfortunately does not have insurance so we have to pay it for her.
As for those rude NARROW MINDED people that say comments as to why a person has bunions…I hope they take note of the hurtful, not to mention untrue things they say. People THINK before you say something so mean not to mention incorrect.
You are wasting your money to have these operations done in the USA. The price you pay for these and so many other operations are outrageous and ridiculous. Fly to South Africa, where you will find the best orthopedic surgeons in the world and where you will find first world hospitals and where you can have a bunion operation done by the top orthopedic surgeons for about $ 1700 per foot !!! That means you can have both your feet done , pay for your flight ticket return, and stay in a five star hotel and have a holiday in South Africa for half the price you would pay in the USA. And then you can have the best dentists in the world work on your teeth for a tenth of the price you would pay in the USA. Medical prices and dentistry in the USA is so out of line it is a joke !!!
That sounds like fun except for the part where you try to travel back home with both feet hobbled! Does it include wheelchair service?
Consider having a Dept. of Veterans Affairs hospital and their U.S. medical board certified podiatrists and podiatry surgeons do the procedure even if the problem is not military service connected. The cost might be substantially lower than that at a private hospital or clinic. Usually this is a day surgery procedure lasting 2 hours.
Dec 2014. Fairfield county. Bunion on big toe and hammertoe. 1.5 hrs surg and 3 hrs recovery. Hospital billed 40k and insurance knocked it to 23k. Anestheology was 1200 final and I didn’t see the doctors bill yet. This is way different from what I saw here. And they said it was a normal procedure w/o complications. Deductible was 3500 and 70/30 after that. And it still hurts!
I had no insurance and got mine done with a podiatrist in Los Angeles. Dr. Joshua Kaye. I only paid $4,500 including everything. Maybe going to a private podiatrist is better or cheaper. He did an amazing job and I’m a salsa dancer so use my feet in heels all the time!!
I had mine remove in clinical study.
$30k and they paid me $1500
Best care in utah
Phenomenal doctors
I have two bunions that I want to be removed. one hurt dearly, the other doesn’t hurt as much but it’s bigger and finding shoes to wear has been a real nightmare! It is GENETICAL !! My mother had the same or worst bunions. So I agree with everyone comment on bunions being genetic.
I am searching for a clinic where I can have them removed at a reasonable cost. Anyone can help on this?
I sell products for bunion surgery which are by far the best on the market.They are not inexpensive.Patients are becoming more inquisitive and educated about the surgical experience in general.For bunion surgery the antiquated standard of care is a steel wire called a K-wire,named after Dr.Kirschner,circa 1940.The literature shows that they are easy to use and marginally effective at best.They provide little compression,are rotationally unstable and have a propensity to bend or cause pin tract infection.They are also quite inexpensive,yet are still considered the standard of care according to CMS guidelines.Screws and or plates and screws have progressively become the new standard of care.These types of internal fixation provide stability and peace of mind for the surgeon and the patient versus a wire bent upwards with a protective plastic ball crimped or screws on over the exposed tip of the wire.Infection rates for wires are under ten percent and non union rates over ten percent.What is your standard of care?
I am having both feet done on February 2, 2016. Dr said to take 6-8 weeks off, same time as if I did one foot. He will cut part of the bone off and then cut a wedge out on each foot. Just wish I knew the cost. My deductible is 5,000 and I get reimbursed by my company HRA 4,000.00. His video https://www.tcomn.com/physicians/scott-mcgarvey/patient-education#Ankle .