Costs for joint replacement vary widely and are difficult to compare. Unfortunately insurance companies have forced us into such complex contracts that quoting a price is almost impossible.

I can give you a rough estimate of costs. An episode of care cost for joint replacement is the total amount paid to all providers for the service over a 120-day period.

An episode of care cost for joint replacement is the total amount paid to all providers for the service over a 120-day period.

For Government plans, this is about $12,000.

For Blue Cross at Providence Hospital NE (the hospital where I operate), this is $35,000.

For outpatient surgery at our surgery center, this is $28,000.

At the other two major hospital systems in our metro area it is: $45,000 at Palmetto Health and $65,000 at Lexington Medical (from the Blue Cross website).

At some hospitals in this country, the cost is over $100,000. Depending on your insurance contract, you will pay some portion of this.

For more information, please see the section on Fees and Insurance.