How Much Does Pacemaker Cost

A pacemaker is a heart help. It is a device that is battery operated and implanted externally or internally, where it will send electrical impulses when needed. It is to helps the heart stimulate and beat regularly and help circulate blood. There is another larger device called an implantable defibrillator, it is placed near the collar bone inside the body, to help monitor it and give it life. It sends a strong electrical shock when needed, helping the heartbeat restore to normal, and because it has helped a lot of patients, here is the information about ‘how much does a pacemaker cost?’

The Cost of Pacemakers

The pacemaker price can be covered by Medicare or any other private care insurance. To those who are not covered by insurance, the average cost for it is in between $19,000 – $96,000 dollars depending on the type they are going to get. Location could also play a big factor in pricing and the length of the patient’s hospital stay could add to the charges. Depending on the state, some pacemaker price are at a cost that falls in the midrange of the given estimate. For example, in Columbus Ohio, the total cost for a pacemaker implant that includes the surgery and anesthesia and a hospital stay for five days is $19,651. In the western states, like Wisconsin, the average cost of pacemaker is $28,348.

To those who are covered by Medicare, you a can expect to pay just around $2,604 dollars for an out of pocket cost. That already includes coinsurance and some deductibles. As for those with private insurance, a $4,400 expenses could be expected to come from the patient and the rest will be covered by their plans.

Miscellaneous and Discounts

Even with an insurance plan the average cost of pacemaker surgery varies significantly. Some patients prefer to be an outpatient and depending on their doctor’s approval. They can go home so long as they can take care of their surgery as carefully until it heals. For patients who have decided on an extended hospital stay, they may be able to get additional charges of about $20,000 – $65,000 dollars, or more. As for Wisconsin Pricepoint, the answer to ‘how much does a pacemaker cost,’ including a six day hospital stay is around $23,695.

Even with these prices, the pacemaker price could still lower if the patient could be able to get some discounts. This is really helpful especially if the patient does not have any health insurance plan at all. In California, the Healthcare System of Washington Hospital provides a 35% percent off to uninsured patients and they also provide financial assistance to qualified ones.

Surgery Procedure

After finding out how much does a pacemaker cost, it is also important to know what they do to the patients undergoing a pacemaker implant surgery. . Knowing what to expect can at least give you an idea if taking the surgery would be worth it. Pacemaker implants is not like having an open heart surgery. This is why you hear of outpatients with regards to this operation. Especially if you are the patient, it would matter what they would do to you, so read up.

Before a person will go through the surgery, they will be given a medication that will help make them be comfortable and sleepy. Once the patient have already lied down on the operating table, the doctor will have to make a small incision on his upper chest to a measure of about 2 inches. Then, one or two insulated wires will go through the patient’s skin, through the vein and into the heart. Once the pacemaker is in, it will be programmed, and the doctor will close the incision. The pacemaker will then be tested if it does suit your medical needs.

The patient will then either stay overnight or a few more days at the hospital, or he will be discharged with specific instructions on how to care for his implant. At first the patient’s movement will be limited, and there will be a light bulge under the skin. Since every patient experience a different after effect from the surgery, it is always advisable for them to speak with their doctor.

Reliability

Those who are looking for the best pacemaker that suits their needs can get a referral through the Pacemaker Club. It is one of the great resources for patients needing a pacemaker or are receiving it. Their website also has tips, discussion boards, and physician finders.

With the average cost of pacemaker many do wonder if the pacemaker price is in tantamount to its reliability. Thus far, pacemakers have been a really helpful device for people who are suffering from a slow beating heat, but when heart is failing, it cannot continue to make it beat. 20% percent of patients with pacemakers, experience painful shocks during their last few weeks of life, because of this, the Heart Rhythm Society is able to give end-of-life preparations to patients needing information.

Testimonial

A Daily Mail contributor in UK, has shared her experience about her surgery. Joyce Underwood was implanted a pacemaker when her doctor found out that her heart was beating very slow and would need an operation as soon as possible. Her description was accurate regarding the surgery and her recovery was fast and well. After a checkup and discharge from her doctor, she was well enough to enjoy her meals and she felt fine doing other daily chores.

Her doctor Peter Stanford explained that with the average cost of pacemaker she was able to spend for, the patient was well enough. Also, he said that after a patients discharge, he or she will have to be seen again by a doctor after 6 weeks to make sure they are doing fine. The pace maker could last for ten years with the patient only needing a once a year checkup. The pacemaker price is not so much of a big deal as the device not only save lives but also changes their patients for the better, as most of them feels the benefits afterwards the operation.