Cost of spinal implants out of control because of patents

I was getting estimates for surgery to fuse my L5/S1. Average rate as per health care blue book is $46K. I would think because I'm in Los Angeles it might cost more than national average. I wouldn't have had a problem traveling to another state so it could be cheaper. UPDATE: I just checked the cost for my area code. It only added $1,000.

I then checked a forum where people who've had this surgery or are contemplating this surgery post about their experiences and costs. The health care blue book price is way off. Below are two estimates from two people in smaller towns in the south. You would think it would be cheaper there. This is same L5/S1 surgery.


"My surgery total was $160,000 (Titanium Implants: $130,000, Surgeons Fee: $20,000, Hospital Stay: $10,000)."

"I had my plif of L5/S1 done in March 18th, 2011. I stayed 2 nights. Surgery was 6 hours. One level so 4 screws and 2 rods, Hospital charged insurance $63,000. Hardware was $54,000. Surgeon was $35,000. Other charges for scans, x-rays, MRI, and other things was around $15,000."

How in the world do four screws and two rods cost $54,000 to $130,000? It's obviously not the material even though it's titanium. It must be all costs related to the patent, litigation, infringement claims....

People like me are in pain and debilitated with their back because they can't afford the cost of the patents included in the hardware costs. If Gary Michelson actually gave a shit about helping people, he'd give a patent or two to the public for free. Otherwise people are forced to use the existing patented spinal devices.

Remember, Gary Michelson promised to give the $1.3B he made off the patents to help animals, and people with back problems. He hasn't done that. He isn't using the money for good causes as he promised. Instead he uses his wallet to beat people until they are penniless and in jail.


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