Home : FAQs Email Print

Does my insurance cover low back surgery?michelson=

Dr. John S. Shiau
Staten Island, NY

I think almost all insurance companies cover low back surgery.

Dr. Eung-Jun Cha
Bedford, IN

Depends; not all insurance covers back surgery; it may need second opinion.

Dr. Theodore A. Belanger
Charlotte, NC

Most medically necessary low-back surgery is covered by insurance. It is advisable to discuss this issue with your insurance company to make sure that your surgeon and the hospital where the surgery is to be performed are covered, and to determine any out-of-pocket costs that you may incur.

Dr. Robert S. Pashman
Los Angeles, CA

In most cases, insurance covers spine surgery. Your insurance benefits will be verified and explained prior to surgery.

Dr. Sylvain Palmer
Mission Viejo, CA

Most insurance plans cover the common spinal surgeries.

Dr. Kenneth A. Pettine
Loveland, CO

It would be unusual that any surgery would be performed without prior authorization of an insurance company and, certainly, it is important the patient understand the responsibility of the patient verses the insurance company for payment. In general, most insurances cover back surgery.

Dr. Kambiz Hannani
Los Angeles, CA

Most insurance does cover spinal surgery. However, surgeons will usually have to get preauthorization from your insurance company. You should check with your insurance carrier before undergoing spinal surgery to ensure that you will be covered because costs can be staggering.

Dr. Donald D. Dietze Jr.
Covington, LA

At this time, insurance carriers do not dictate medical care. They will challenge the reimbursement amount for low back surgery, but most do cover low back surgery. However, newer procedures may require some surgeon interaction to allow reimbursement.

Dr. Jorge E. Isaza
Baton Rouge, LA

In most states, insurance will cover low back surgery and. In some cases, a letter of medical necessity may be required from your doctor explaining the pathology and the need for the surgical procedure.

Dr. Dennis G. Crandall
Mesa, AZ

All insurance carriers cover spine surgery. Whether your specific surgery is covered will be investigated by your surgeon’s office. Hospitals typically will not allow surgery to be performed that has not been formally accepted by an insurance company.

Dr. Andrew Glass
Someras Pt., NJ

Obviously, medical insurance is intended to provide coverage for necessary medical treatment. You should always contact your insurance company to discuss the financial issues with them. Pre-approval (pre-certification) is often required. Co-payments and deductibles need to be considered. Sometimes, a second opinion is desired or required. Restrictions may apply. Your surgeon or hospital may or may not participate with your insurance.

Dr. Reginald Knight
Seattle, WA

Please check your policy for their clause on pre-existing injuries or workers compensation injuries if they apply to you.

The commentary above recounts the experiences of these physicians. Medtronic invited them to share their stories candidly. Keep in mind that results vary; not every patient's response is the same. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any products that are mentioned above.

It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.

  • Published: July 22, 2002
  • Updated: April 19, 2010