Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet

By Daniel Petkevich

Jan 11, 2023

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Stress Incontinence Treatment

As we grow older, we become more likely to develop various health issues — including stress incontinence. Though this condition can occur at any age, it's more common in older adults.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Header brushstroke decoration.

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

One effective treatment for stress incontinence is bladder sling surgery. It's a minimally invasive procedure and is often covered by insurance.

Keep reading to find out more. In this article, we'll discuss stress incontinence, how bladder sling surgery treats the condition, and whether Medicare will cover the expenses.

What Is Stress Incontinence?

Incontinence is the loss of control over urination or bowel movements. It's a common problem that can affect people of all ages and impact their life.

Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence caused by physical activity (e.g., coughing, sneezing, or lifting). These physical movements put pressure on the bladder, causing it to leak urine.

Stress incontinence is more common in women than men and can be caused by several factors — including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, obesity, prostrate surgery, and certain medical conditions.

What's Bladder Sling Surgery?

A bladder sling surgery (AKA a mid-urethral sling procedure) treats stress urinary incontinence. It most commonly treats females but can also be performed on males.

During the procedure, a surgeon creates a "sling" out of synthetic material or human tissue and places it under the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The sling prevents urine leakage — supporting the urethra and keeping it closed when you are not urinating.

Visual asset.

](https://www.ami.at/en/patient-information/female-incontinence/types-of-bladder-weakness/disease-pattern/)

‎Bladder Sling Surgery | A.M.I

How Long Does Bladder Sling Surgery Take?

The procedure usually takes only 30-60 minutes. However, recovery time can vary depending on the individual.

Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.

How Is Bladder Sling Surgery Performed?

‎Bladder sling surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll receive local or general anesthesia, depending on your specific condition.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision:

  • In femalesbetween the urethra and the vagina

  • In malesin the abdomen or through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus)

The surgeon then inserts a synthetic mesh material (in the form of a sling) and positions it around the urethra. This provides support and helps keep the urethra closed.

The surgeon may draw up the ends of the sling over the pubic bone or near the thigh creases — depending on their preferred technique. They'll test the sling to make sure it provides sufficient support during coughing and adjust its tension if necessary.

What Are Potential Complications of Bladder Sling Surgery?

Bladder sling surgery is a minor outpatient procedure. But like every surgery, it has risks.

Potential complications include:

  • Bleeding

  • Injury to the urethra, bladder, intestine or vagina

  • Erosion of the sling

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Pain

  • Difficulty peeing or increased urgency to pee

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Medicare might cover bladder sling surgery — as long as your doctor declares it medically necessary.

That said, exact coverage depends on your specific plan.

  • For example, Original Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved cost for the surgery, while you pay the remaining 20%

  • However, if you're enrolled in a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage plan, they may cover the remaining 20%

Check with your healthcare provider and review your plan's coverage rules. You want to know how much you'll owe, as well as any requirements or limitations that may apply.

How Much Does Bladder Sling Surgery Cost?

The cost of bladder sling surgery ranges anywhere from $6,000 – $25,000.

However, the exact cost depends on the following factors:

  • The type of procedure being performed

  • The experience and training of the surgeon

  • The location of the surgery

With Original Medicare, you could be stuck with 20% coinsurance of the approved amount. To save thousands of dollars on bladder sling surgery, we recommend Medicare Supplement Plan G, limiting out-of-pocket costs to the Part B deductible.

Takeaway

Stress incontinence occurs when physical activity or movement puts pressure on the bladder, causing accidental urine leakage.

Bladder sling surgery — an outpatient procedure with minor complications — treats stress incontinence and helps you lead a normal life.

Medicare might provide at least partial coverage for bladder sling surgery. But your exact out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your plan's coverage options for bladder sling surgery. If you need help, call us at 1-888-376-2028. Our advisors can break down the complexities of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Header brushstroke decoration.

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Learn More About Medicare


Birthday stock image

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

Mar 28, 2023

Ozempic stock image

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Mar 28, 2023

Pre-Existing condition stock image

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Mar 28, 2023

Cover image

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

Mar 27, 2023

woman in a hospital wearing a bandana being shown information by her doctor stock photo

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Mar 24, 2023

senior couple working in a greenhouse stock image

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Mar 23, 2023

Kansas farm stock photo

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Mar 22, 2023

Cover image

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

Mar 20, 2023

20 Q's with Fair Square

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

Mar 17, 2023

Washington DC stock image

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

Mar 11, 2023

Nashville city skyline stock image

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

Mar 10, 2023

Seattle Public Market stock image

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

Mar 10, 2023

Union Station in Denver stock image

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Mar 9, 2023

Indianapolis skyline at night stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

Mar 9, 2023

Charlotte skyline stock image

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

Mar 9, 2023

senior couple doing yoga stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

Mar 8, 2023

Philadelphia skyline at sunset stock image

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

Mar 7, 2023

Arizona desert stock photo

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

Mar 6, 2023

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap.

100% free.

Fair Square Medicare

LEGAL

Privacy Policy

MORE


Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M