The cost of balloon sinuplasty is much affordable compared to other treatments, even for people without health insurance. There are almost 30 million people who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis who can benefit from this procedure. Most sinusitis patients get relief from their symptoms after receiving medical treatment such as antibiotics. However, if the symptoms keep coming back, your doctor will likely suggest a more long-term solution.
A Table Comparison Between Balloon Sinuplasty and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Below is a table comparing the two processes:
Balloon Sinuplasty
Procedure
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery VS Balloon Sinuplasty
Cost
Sinus Surgery
Without health insurance, sinus surgery can range anywhere from $4,700 to $11,500 on average when you factor in the care expense for the 45 days following surgery. The cost is high because it includes:
- Antibiotics
- Sinus debridement
- Other procedures
- Long-term medication management
The estimated total amount for sinus surgery without insurance can hit $13,772.
A health plan will cover some of the costs; nevertheless, it will not cover the entire process. Furthermore, the price could be disadvantageous if you have high deductibles. This factor is because should you incur out-of-pocket costs, your provider will not reimburse you until you meet (pay out-of-pocket expenses equal to) your deductible, which may take time.
Balloon Sinuplasty
For balloon sinuplasty, it will cost from $2,000 to $7,000. Prices for the procedure can vary depending on the physician who performs it, the facility’s location, and the patient’s specific medical condition. It has a lower cost because it is:
- An outpatient procedure performed in the doctor’s office
- Fast
- With fewer chances for complications
- Performed with fewer medical equipment
The estimated total of balloon sinuplasty cost without insurance is $2000 to $7000.
Due to lower costs, balloon sinuplasty is affordable even without insured plans. Nonetheless, it is also covered by most insurances and Medicare, easing your healthcare expenses even more.
Recovery
During endoscopic sinus surgery, you will most likely need to take additional time off of work, usually up to one week. It will take anywhere from one to three weeks for your nose to feel fully recovered. After the surgery, you can suffer some slight bleeding and swelling. It is normal and can happen with either treatment option.
It takes your nose anywhere from one to two days to fully heal after balloon sinuplasty. Patients can often return to non-strenuous activities within 48 hours of the treatment, which helps decrease the cost of the process. This makes it one of the most effective sinusitis treatments.
Want to know if you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty? Take our quiz today!
Procedure
In sinus surgery, the patient will be sleeping while the endoscopic sinus surgery process is ongoing. The process takes around 1 to 3 hours and includes cutting bone or tissue, so patients need to utilize packing afterward. Your physician will give you a prescription for pain medicine to help you cope with the discomfort as you recover from the surgical operation.
A balloon sinuplasty procedure does not entail patients being put to sleep beforehand, as it lasts for less than an hour. However, most patients receive IV sedation for a “twilight sleep” state. Patients in this state are awake and able to answer questions from their doctors, yet, the vast majority of patients do not remember the procedure an hour later.
Conclusion
Balloon sinuplasty is not only more affordable than sinus surgery, it also does not have the same risks of endoscopic sinus surgery– making it a safer experience. At the same time, balloon sinuplasty cost is much lower compared to purchasing antibiotics or other medicine to manage your symptoms. Your health insurance may already cover balloon sinuplasty, given that the Academy of Otolaryngology proposed that all health insurances cover the procedure.
Check with your insurer about coverage, and schedule an appointment with Advanced Sinus Relief Centers to learn more and find out if Balloon Sinuplasty is right for you.
