Spinal fusion, a surgical procedure designed to correct problems with the small bones in the spine (vertebrae), has emerged as one of the most common types of surgery in the United States. The operation involves joining two or more vertebrae together to reduce the movement between them, which can alleviate back pain and improve stability, especially for those with spinal disorders like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. However, the cost of this surgery varies significantly across the United States, posing financial burdens for patients seeking this life-altering procedure.
Costs of Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Geographic Disparity
Remarkably, the cost of spinal fusion surgery varies dramatically from state to state. According to data from Sidecar Health, the cost of this procedure ranges from as low as $14,000 in one state to a staggering $169,000 in another.
The state of Iowa stands as the least expensive place to have spinal fusion surgery, with an average cost of around $37,000. This low price, relative to other states, could be attributed to various factors such as lower cost of living, differences in insurance reimbursement rates, or less competition among healthcare providers.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska records the highest average cost for spinal fusion at approximately $53,000. The reasons for such a high cost could include the state’s remote location, the high cost of delivering care in such an environment, and the relatively small number of healthcare providers, leading to less competition.
Table of Average Spinal Fusion Surgery Costs per State
| State | Average Cost of Spinal Fusion |
| Alabama | $39,438 |
| Alaska | $53,366 |
| Arizona | $44,631 |
| Arkansas | $39,096 |
| California | $48,979 |
| Colorado | $43,111 |
| Connecticut | $47,172 |
| Delaware | $45,838 |
| District of Columbia | $45,437 |
| Florida | $43,305 |
| Georgia | $40,590 |
| Hawaii | $41,055 |
| Idaho | $39,889 |
| Illinois | $45,273 |
| Indiana | $41,300 |
| Iowa | $37,538 |
| Kansas | $38,872 |
| Kentucky | $39,775 |
| Louisiana | $44,137 |
| Maine | $39,873 |
| Maryland | $46,944 |
| Massachusetts | $48,376 |
| Michigan | $44,559 |
| Minnesota | $50,153 |
| Mississippi | $40,113 |
| Missouri | $39,640 |
| Montana | $41,245 |
| Nebraska | $40,307 |
| Nevada | $42,583 |
| New Hampshire | $42,714 |
| New Jersey | $51,745 |
| New Mexico | $39,319 |
| New York | $48,688 |
| North Carolina | $39,079 |
| North Dakota | $43,423 |
| Ohio | $40,633 |
| Oklahoma | $43,482 |
| Oregon | $44,352 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,771 |
| Rhode Island | $48,789 |
| South Carolina | $41,642 |
| South Dakota | $38,800 |
| Tennessee | $39,134 |
| Texas | $42,292 |
| Utah | $44,073 |
| Vermont | $43,267 |
| Virginia | $42,089 |
| Washington | $46,949 |
| West Virginia | $42,119 |
| Wisconsin | $44,458 |
| Wyoming | $43,280 |
Per Sidecar, the prices do not include the anesthesia, imaging, and other doctor visit fees that normally accompany spinal fusion.
The considerable cost disparity of spinal fusion surgery across the United States underlines the complex and varied nature of healthcare pricing. It’s crucial for patients to understand these differences and consider the financial implications of their medical decisions. As healthcare consumers, having access to this kind of information can empower patients to make more informed decisions about their treatment options, hopefully leading to both better health and financial outcomes.