Knee replacement costs have come down in recent years as orthopedic surgeons develop more sophisticated techniques and use increasingly precise tools that can allow patients to go home the same day as their surgery.

Published: February 23, 2021 | Updated: May 24, 2022

Knee replacement costs have come down in recent years as orthopedic surgeons develop more sophisticated techniques and use increasingly precise tools that can allow patients to go home the same day as their surgery.

A knee replacement used to require several nights in the hospital while a patient was recovering. Minimally invasive procedures have advanced so much that patients usually are up and around two hours after surgery and home by the end of the day, according to Jeffrey Stimac, M.D., a knee replacement surgeon with Norton Orthopedic Institute.

Shorter hospital stays, including less time in the operating room thanks to minimally invasive techniques, means the cost of replacing your knee can be significantly lower than what you may have heard in recent years.

Medicare and most private insurers cover much of the knee replacement cost, leaving the patient responsible for a fraction of the overall bill.

Navigating the insurance process can be a challenge, but Norton Orthopedic Institute has staff who coordinate with insurance companies regularly and can walk you through the process. Be sure to ask your insurer about average charges and any discounts for which you may be eligible.

Keep in mind that a total knee replacement is one of the highest-rated procedures by patients. Studies have found patients’ total knee replacement satisfaction to be between 80% and 100%. For many, the satisfaction is a result of restored function and pain relief.