Bunion Surgery Costs: What’s Included and What to Expect?
Bunion surgery is available in the private sector, where both podiatric and orthopaedic specialists provide care. There are over 200 types of bunion operations performed in the United Kingdom. Most surgeons perform osteotomy procedures to correct deformities, which can be performed through open or minimally invasive surgery. Costs associated with bunion surgery should include consultations as well as all the costs of surgery and its equipment, including the fees for the surgeon and anaesthetist, and any postoperative care and X-rays.
Why Does Bunion Surgery Cost Vary So Much?
Bunion surgery costs vary on a number of factors, which may sometimes be regional, but mostly will depend on the expertise of the surgeon and their subspecialty. If a surgeon specialises in keyhole bunion surgery, for example, this is a highly specialised area with very few surgeons having the necessary experience to perform this procedure effectively. Being a niche procedure, it requires specific training and expertise, and hence the higher costs. Furthermore, the cost of the specialised equipment, including burrs and screws that are used to correct the deformity, contribute to the generally higher cost of keyhole bunion operations. The operation setting, including the type of hospital, the service, and the type of anaesthesia, would also make a difference, but generally this is not too varied.
Mr. Nazir at London Foot and Ankle Surgery provides these services within a central London facility. It is a specialised facility that does a high volume of foot and ankle surgery. He specialises in keyhole bunion surgery using the highest level of expertise and equipment that provides the best possible outcomes for patients.
What Is Typically Included in the Cost of Bunion Surgery?
Preoperative Consultation and Imaging
This is required for all patients who are considering bunion surgery. It does not necessarily mean that you are suitable for surgery at this stage. Hence, this is a separate fee where a consultation fee of £250 for the consultation and examination of imaging as well as X-rays will be applied. X-rays range from £150 to £250 depending on the number of views and whether both feet are X-rayed. This is a preliminary stage. There is no commitment to surgery, but an opinion is sought at this time.
The Surgeon Fee
The surgeon’s fee will typically involve the whole episode from performing the operation and looking after you postoperatively. Mr. Nazir provides a fixed surgeon fee, and this does not depend on the number of follow-ups that are required and includes all postoperative care in most cases.
The Anaesthetic Fee
The anaesthetist fee will depend on the type of anaesthesia, such as local anaesthetic, sedation, or general anaesthetic. It depends on the complexity of the operation, and we provide a fixed fee for patients who are having keyhole bunion surgery.
Day Surgery Hospital Fee
This will depend on the degree of bunion deformity and the exact equipment that is used. A very close or exact estimate is provided for most cases that require hospitalisation as a day case, and this fee is again fixed. At London Foot and Ankle Surgery, we provide a package fee as well as finance packages by the hospital.
Post-operative Dressings and Immediate Aftercare
This is included as part of the package.
Follow-up Appointments
These fees are also included, except for any post-operative X-rays which are not included. It varies for patients who require between two and three X-rays post-operatively during a six-month period.
What Is Not Included?
Post-operative X-rays are the only fees that are not included, as well as any physiotherapy rehabilitation that is required.
Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Surgery
Severity of Bunion
This depends on the procedure type. Mostly, Mr. Nazir performs keyhole bunion surgery, and the fees are fixed. The type of surgical procedure can vary, but in most cases, for keyhole bunion surgery, we provide a fixed package.
Hospital Location
The central London hospital, although it is in a prime location, we do not charge any more than the national average.
Additional Treatments
If other treatments such as other toe surgery, neuromas, or adjunctive procedures are performed, then additional fees will be charged.
Keyhole Versus Traditional Bunion Surgery: Does Technique Affect Cost?
Yes, definitely. The equipment used for keyhole bunion surgery is highly specialised and newer in terms of technology, and it comes at a higher cost.
Does Private Medical Insurance Cover Bunion Surgery?
Yes. Private medical insurance covers bunion surgery because it is a deformity that is usually painful. They will also cover minimally invasive surgery. Mr. Nazir is registered with all medical insurances. Please do contact your insurance prior to the consultation.
Why Choose London Foot and Ankle Surgery for Bunion Treatment?
Mr. Nazir performs one of the highest volumes of bunion surgeries in the whole United Kingdom. He sees people from all over the world. He has consistent outcomes. He measures his outcomes and has excellent outcomes with less than 2% recurrence rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does private bunion surgery cost in London?
Total costs vary at approximately £6,500 for one foot and £10,000 for both feet at the same time. - Is keyhole bunion surgery more expensive than traditional surgery?
Yes, because the equipment is highly specialised and more expensive. - Will my private health insurance pay for my bunion surgery?
Yes, because it is a medical condition. Most private medical insurance covers bunion surgery. - How soon can I have bunion surgery after my first consultation?
It depends. We can arrange surgery within a couple of weeks, or later, or in the future as it suits you. We will endeavour to fit it in with your timetable. - Are all follow-up appointments included in the cost of surgery?
Yes. For self-pay patients, a full package is provided, which includes all follow-up costs.