09/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2024 17:08
Key takeaways:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related condition that can lead to more serious health problems. Surgery may be an option, especially when other treatments haven't worked. There are a variety of surgical procedures that can address OSA.
Without insurance, sleep apnea surgery costs range from less than $10,000 to more than $100,000. The price can start at $30,000 if your surgery involves the implantation of a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, and soar to as much as $100,000 for maxillomandibular advancement (MMA).
With insurance, your out-of-pocket costs will largely depend on how your plan covers sleep apnea surgery and where the procedure is performed.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), also simply called sleep apnea, is a common sleep disorder. People with OSA have abnormal breathing patterns - including short periods of not breathing, or apnea - during sleep. But the condition can also have a significant impact on your life when you're awake by leading to excessive daytime tiredness and an increased risk for developing heart disease.
The most common OSA treatment is positive pressure with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. But there are other ways to address the condition, including using oral devices and making lifestyle changes. If those techniques don't work, sleep apnea surgery may be an option for some people.
Without insurance, the average cost of sleep apnea surgery ranges from less than $10,000 for common nasal and throat surgeries to more than $100,000 for more complicated procedures, according to CareCredit, a medical credit card company.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) relief: You can try breathing machines, losing weight, and a complementary medicine approach such as acupuncture to get a good night's sleep despite having OSA.
Surgery is an option for OSA. Having a procedure can resolve your condition when breathing machines, oral devices, and weight loss haven't worked.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can help. If you have OSA, a CPAP machine or other device can help you breathe more comfortably while you sleep.
Here are sample prices for popular OSA surgical treatments:
Turbinate reduction surgery: Without insurance, the average price for this procedure is more than $4,700 nationwide, according to MDsave, a price-shopping tool for uninsured people and people with high-deductible health plans. If you also need septoplasty, expect to spend $3,500 to $11,000 or more.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: Known as UPPP, this surgery can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more without insurance.
Inspire implant: Without insurance, the price of an Inspire implant - the FDA-approved hypoglossal nerve stimulator - ranges from $30,000 to $40,000.
Maxillomandibular advancement: This major surgery, known as MMA, can cost $80,000 to $100,000 without insurance.
It's important to note that the cost of these procedures also can vary depending on whether you have a bundled price or charges for each associated service. If you have a separate charge for anesthesia, for instance, that could raise the cost. Where you have the surgery can affect your bottom line, too: Going to an outpatient surgery center or having an in-office procedure is often less costly than having the procedure done at a hospital.
MDsave lists national and regional price ranges for a turbinate resection with septoplasty. Without insurance, the national average for this procedure was nearly $16,000 at the time of publication.
Here are some regional averages for a turbinate resection with septoplasty purchased through MDsave (redeemable at participating providers) at the time of publication:
Houston: $8,213
Indianapolis: $8,200
Kansas City, Missouri: $7,328
Las Vegas: $7,389
Orlando, Florida: $8,761
Phoenix: $7,972
There are multiple types of surgery that can address sleep apnea, including:
Nasal:Nasal surgeries that treat OSA include turbinate reduction surgery, nasal valve surgery, septoplasty, and rhinoplasty.
Upper throat: Sometimes, tonsil or adenoid removal is an option, as is a procedure to remove excess tissue and widen the airway called UPPP.
Upper airway stimulation:Hypoglossal nerve stimulation involves a surgical implant. As of this publication, the only FDA-approved implant is the Inspire device.
Tongue and lower throat: A lower throat treatment, such as tongue base reduction surgery, is sometimes used to address OSA.
Maxillomandibular advancement: MMA is major facial and oral surgery that moves the bones of the upper jaw and lower jaw forward to treat OSA.
There are many reasons why someone might have sleep apnea. The condition can be caused by physical features, such as jaw shape or neck size, and other factors, like body size.
Some people are at higher risk for developing sleep apnea than others. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of having OSA include:
Male sex
Older age
Larger body shape and size
Certain medications
Certain medical conditions
Genetic predisposal
Yes, insurance plans typically cover sleep apnea surgery, but your recommended procedure may only qualify for coverage under certain circumstances. And you could still have significant out-of-pocket expenses for your share of the bills. Check with your health plan to determine your specific benefits.
For instance, if you have original Medicare, UPPP and MMA are covered only under certain circumstances. And the Inspire implant is covered only if you meet a list of eligibility requirements. Coverage of UPPP, MMA, and the Inspire implant under Medicare Advantage plans meet or exceed original Medicare's benefits.
Most major private insurance plans cover the Inspire device for people who have not had success with a CPAP machine. The implant is also available at select U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, as well as certain military hospitals and clinics.
The best surgery for your sleep apnea depends on several factors, including:
The cause of your OSA as determined by sleep study findings
Your oral and throat anatomy
Your preferences
The procedure's likelihood of success
To qualify for the Inspire implant, you must meet the following eligibility requirements for treatment:
Have moderate-to-severe OSA
Have CPAP machine intolerance or inability to get consistent benefits from the device
Be at least 18 years old
Have had a qualifying drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) examination
Are healthy enough for a 2-hour surgery
Most health insurance plans cover at least some of the costs of a CPAP machine. If you have original Medicare, a CPAP machine is considered durable medical equipment (DME) and is covered if it's deemed medically necessary and prescribed for use in your home. CPAP machines are covered whether they're purchased or rented. Medicare Advantage plans meet or exceed these benefits.
The average cost of a CPAP machine is about $800. There are also other sleep apnea machines that may be able to help you with OSA, such as:
Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure devices, known as APAP machines, which are sometimes called auto-adjusting CPAP machines
Bilevel positive airway pressure machines, known as BiPAP or BPAP machines, which give you higher positive air pressure as you inhale
Travel or portable sleep apnea devices
The initial setup for the machines above can range from $500 to more than $3,000, depending on a device's features.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that causes people to stop breathing for short periods while they sleep and to snore. When other treatments don't work, surgery may be an option. Sleep apnea procedures run the gamut from simple fixes to major facial and oral procedures.
Without insurance, the price for sleep apnea surgery ranges from less than $10,000 to more than $100,000. But costs can reach or exceed $30,000 for a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, and $100,000 for a jaw repositioning surgery known as maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). Most insurance plans cover sleep apnea surgery, at least in part. With insurance, your out-of-pocket costs will largely depend on what your plan covers and where the surgery is performed.
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