Morton’s neuroma patients often try different ways to feel better. One of these ways is cryosurgery. It’s a treatment that gives hope to people suffering from this painful problem. But many people wonder if their insurance will pay for it. In this article we will discuss Is cryosurgery for morton’s neuroma covered by insurance and we’ll explain it in a way that’s easy to understand just like chatting with a friend. So, let’s dive in and find out what patients can expect from their insurance companies.
Is cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma covered by insurance?
Good news! Yes, most insurance companies usually cover cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma. But remember, the coverage might differ from one insurance company to another, depending on your specific health insurance plan. It’s smart to double-check with your insurance provider to know exactly what’s covered.
What does cryosurgery do to your body?
Cryosurgery is a procedure that uses extreme cold to remove abnormal tissues like tumors. It usually uses super-cold stuff like liquid nitrogen or argon gas.
Here’s how it works:
Getting Rid of Abnormal Tissues: Cryosurgery is mostly used for skin problems, lesions, and different kinds of cancer, such as prostate and liver cancer. The cold quickly kills those bad cells when it touches them.
Pain and discomfort: Cryosurgery might make you feel uncomfortable. For example, if it’s used to treat strange cells in your cervix, you might have cramps, pain, or bleeding.
Possible Risks: Cryosurgery is safer than other cancer treatments but still has risks. These can include blisters, hurting nearby healthy tissue or blood vessels, infections, feeling numb if it affects nerves, pain, scars, sores, and changes in skin color.
Are there any health risks from cryosurgery?
Cryosurgery is a gentle treatment that uses extreme cold to eliminate abnormal tissues, like tumors. It’s generally safe, but there are a few things to watch out for:
- Bleeding sometimes happens after the procedure.
- Cramps or pain: You might feel this, especially around the cervix.
- Hurting Nearby Healthy Tissue: If the cold affects more than just the bad cells, it can cause damage.
- Infection: Any cut in the skin can lead to this.
- Numbness: If nerves get affected during the procedure, you might also not feel things.
- Blisters, scars, and skin changes can appear on your skin.
- Bone breaks and swelling: These are rare but can happen.
- Tissue Death: The tissue might not survive in some cases, especially if circulation isn’t good.
Remember, cryosurgery can help, especially with conditions like cancer. However, the risks can vary from person to person. Always talk to your doctor for advice that’s just right for you.
How much is cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma?
Cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. However, the cost can vary depending on where you live, which doctor you see, and any extra fees for check-ups or anesthesia. With insurance, treating Morton’s neuroma might be cheaper. For example, therapeutic shoe pads or other shoe inserts could cost less than $500. Cryosurgery or alcohol shots to ease pain might range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. Surgery could cost $7,000 or more.
What is the success rate of cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma?
Cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma is usually successful. In the past decade, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. have had this surgery, and over 80% of them felt better afterward. Moreover, newer methods like ultrasound-guided cryosurgery have even higher success rates. But remember, everyone’s different, so it’s smart to talk to your doctor about what might work best for you.
What is the recovery time for Morton’s neuroma cryosurgery?
Recovering from cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma is quick. After the procedure, you need about three days to rest up. It’s best to limit standing or walking to just 5–10 minutes per hour during this time. After those three days, you might still feel the effects for up to four weeks. But remember, everyone’s different, so listen to your doctor’s advice for the best recovery.