Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo
By Daniel Petkevich
Jan 20, 2023

People over 60 do not have coverage

Searching for the right solution to your back problems can bring its own pain. If you are seeking Medicare coverage for a cervical disc replacement, Medicare is unlikely to cover it for most beneficiaries. No coverage could mean tens of thousands of dollars spent out-of-pocket for this procedure. Read on to see if you might qualify as one of the few eligible beneficiaries.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

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

Overview of Medicare coverage for cervical disc replacement

Unfortunately, Medicare has a

national noncoverage notice

for cervical disc replacement for beneficiaries over the age of 60. However, if you are under 60 and meet certain criteria, Medicare may help pay for cervical disc replacement surgery. The CMS has a local coverage notice for those under 60, which means you need to meet certain stipulations to get coverage. In order to qualify for coverage, you must have undergone a series of non-surgical treatments that did not improve your condition, and a Medicare-enrolled doctor or facility must perform the surgery. Additionally, the procedure must fall within certain guidelines established by Medicare, and your doctor must provide documentation of your medical condition to support the need for cervical disc replacement.

How does the age limit affect eligibility for cervical disc replacement surgery?

The age limit does affect eligibility for cervical disc replacement surgery.

Medicare

does not cover this procedure for beneficiaries over the age of 60, regardless of any other requirements they may meet. However, those under 60 may be eligible to receive coverage depending on their individual circumstances.

How much does a cervical disc replacement cost?

Many people opt for cervical disc replacement as a cheaper alternative to more intense back surgery. The cost of a cervical disc replacement procedure varies depending on factors such as the type of disc being replaced, the hospital or medical facility performing the surgery, and any other associated costs. You will see many estimates out there for the cost, but according to

Spine.MD

, you can expect to pay between $30,000 to $50,000 for a cervical disc replacement.

Alternatives to traditional cervical disc replacements for those over the age of 60

If you are over the age of 60 and ineligible for cervical disc replacement surgery, there may be other options available to you. Your doctor can discuss alternative treatments that may provide relief from your condition. These could include

physical therapy

, steroid injections, nerve blocks or non-surgical spinal decompression.

Tips on how seniors can still access quality care despite the restrictions imposed by Medicare

Even if Medicare does not cover the procedure you need, there are still ways to access quality care. Requesting a referral from your primary care physician is one option; they may be able to recommend a specialist who is able to provide appropriate treatment for your condition. Additionally, you can look for programs or services that offer discounts on treatments or procedures that are not covered by Medicare.

Resources and support available to help seniors navigate their options

Navigating Medicare coverage and understanding your options can be confusing. Fortunately, there are resources available to help seniors make informed decisions about their health care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides information on coverage options and financial assistance programs. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging offers resources and support for those aged 60 and older.

Questions to ask your doctor about your specific situation with regard to cervical disc replacement coverage

It is important to ask your doctor questions about your specific situation and the coverage options available to you. For instance, what criteria do I need to meet in order to be eligible for cervical disc replacement surgery? Are there any alternative treatments that may provide relief from my condition? What resources are available to help me access quality care? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you make an informed decision about your health care.

Takeaway

In conclusion, Medicare does not cover cervical disc replacement for beneficiaries over the age of 60. However, seniors may still be able to access quality care through referrals, discount programs and resources available. It is important to have a conversation with your doctor about the right treatment for you. This content is for informational purposes only. If you have questions about Medicare coverage or your plan,

call an expert at Fair Square Medicare

.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

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

Recommended Articles

Senior woman having vision problems stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Cover image
Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?
Feb 1, 2024
stack of books stock image
Do You Need Books on Medicare?
Apr 6, 2023
Acute psoriasis on elbows is an autoimmune incurable dermatological skin disease stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Jan 17, 2023
An elderly couple discusses their healthcare and insurance needs with another woman stock image
Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State
Feb 10, 2023
Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Nov 29, 2022
various cartoon scenarios showing long term care stock photo
Which Medigap Policies Provide Coverage for Long-Term Care?
Sep 16, 2022
a doctor tells her patient she doesn't accept medicare. the patient wonders what to do stock image
What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare
Feb 24, 2023
Saving money against a stopwatch stock image
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
Dec 21, 2022
woman in a therapist office stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?
Nov 22, 2022
pros and cons stock image
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
May 5, 2022
Cover image
Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition
Oct 2, 2023
senior man on a phone call stock image
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
Apr 11, 2023
stair lift stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?
Nov 18, 2022
Medicare at 62 stock image
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Jun 16, 2022
senior man experiencing discomfort stock image
Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?
Dec 6, 2022
Cover image
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued
Feb 26, 2024
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

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

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

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Medicare Price Changes

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2023?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare 101

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Fair Square Bulletin: August 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: February 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: The End of the COVID Emergency Declaration

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

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. © 2024 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