How Much Does A Bone Growth Stimulator Cost?

Last Updated on September 20, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Bone growth stimulators are fast becoming a popular medical device to help accelerate healing in fractures, spine fusion sites, and other skeletal injuries that have been slow to repair. But what exactly is the cost of this non-invasive bone stimulation therapy?

In this guide, we’ll provide detailed pricing breakdowns for both electrical and ultrasound bone growth stimulators. We’ll outline the costs of renting versus purchasing units, examine insurance coverage specifics, compare device manufacturer rates, and suggest ways to save money on this treatment option. Our goal is to give you complete information to budget appropriately for a bone growth stimulator as part of your injury recovery plan.

How Much Does A Bone Growth Stimulator Cost?

Bone growth stimulators range in cost from $500 for basic models up to $5,000 for advanced devices, with insurance covering a majority of fees if deemed medically necessary.

The costs for a bone growth stimulator often fall within these ranges:

Basic Electrical Stimulators

• Purchase: $500 – $1,500
• Rental: $50 – $200 per month

Advanced Electrical Stimulators

• Purchase: $2,000 – $4,000
• Rental: $150 – $350 per month

Ultrasound Stimulators

• Purchase: $1,000 – $3,000
• Rental: $100 – $250 per month

Custom-Fitted Stimulators

• Purchase: $3,000 – $5,000
• Rental: $200 – $400 per month

As you can see, purchased devices have higher upfront costs but avoid recurring rental fees.

According to Medical Price Online, the average price for bone growth stimulators is approximately $660. This price reflects the cost of various models and types available in the market.

In contrast, WebMD reports that implanted electrical bone stimulators can be significantly more expensive, costing up to $5,000. This higher price is typically associated with the complexity of surgical implantation and the technology involved in these devices.

Additionally, IGEA Medical provides insights into their bone healing devices, which are designed to promote faster healing in fractures that may not heal properly on their own. While specific pricing is not listed on their site, they emphasize that their devices have been proven effective for various conditions.

The Future Market Insights report indicates that the market for bone growth stimulators is projected to grow significantly, with a current valuation of around $2.1 billion in 2023, suggesting a robust demand for these devices. This growth may influence pricing trends as more advanced technologies are developed.

Bone Growth Stimulator Overview

Let’s briefly review what bone growth stimulators are:

• Medical devices using electrical currents or ultrasound waves to stimulate natural bone regeneration
• Worn externally around site of fracture or fusion surgery
• Treat for 20-30 minutes daily to encourage bone cell repair
• Used when injury fails to mend under normal conditions
• Non-invasive alternative to bone grafting surgery

Factors Influencing Bone Growth Stimulator Costs

Several factors impact the price of a bone growth stimulator:

• Type of device – Electrical vs ultrasound
• Rental or purchase – Renting reduces upfront costs
• Features and accessories – More advanced systems cost more
• Customization level – Prefab vs custom-molded devices
• Doctor recommendations – Critical for insurance coverage
• Insurance plan – Copays and deductibles affect out-of-pocket costs

Electrical Bone Growth Stimulator Costs

Electrical stimulators use electric current waves to trigger bone formation and typically cost:

Entry-Level Electrical Stimulators

• Purchase Price: $500 – $1,500
• Rental: $50 – $200 per month

Advanced Electrical Stimulators

• Purchase Price: $2,000 – $4,000
• Rental: $150 – $350 per month

Custom-Fitted Electrical Stimulators

• Purchase Price: $3,000 – $5,000
• Rental: $200 – $400 per month

Higher-end models with greater adjustability and waveform precision warrant the higher costs.

Ultrasound Bone Growth Stimulator Prices

You might also like our articles about the cost of a bone density scan, a Tommy John surgery, or a broken wrist surgery.

Ultrasound devices utilize sound waves to promote healing. Typical ultrasound stimulator costs:

Basic Ultrasound Stimulators

• Purchase Price: $1,000 – $3,000
• Rental: $100 – $250 per month

Custom-Fitted Ultrasound Stimulators

• Purchase Price: $3,000 – $5,000
• Rental: $250 – $400 per month

While less expensive than electrical equipment, ultrasound units still represent a substantial investment.

Bone Growth Stimulator Rental vs Purchase

Patients have two main options when obtaining a bone growth stimulator:

Short-Term Rental Pricing

• Minimal upfront costs of $50 – $400 per month
• Typically, 3-month minimum rental period
• Unit maintenance and repairs included

Purchase Price

• Higher one-time upfront investment
• Own device to use whenever needed in the future
• Avoid recurring rental costs long-term

Evaluate expected treatment duration when deciding between renting or buying.

Accessories for Bone Growth Stimulator

Along with the base device, useful accessories add to the total price:

• Extra batteries – $25 – $75 per battery
• Belt clips and straps – $15 – $50
• Charging stations – $50 – $150
• Carrying cases – $25 – $100
• Replacement wires and pads – $50 – $300

These extras improve convenience but contribute additional costs that insurance may not cover.

Insurance Coverage

Most major insurance providers include bone growth stimulator coverage with proper documentation:

• Medicare Parts A, B, and D
• Medicaid and MediCaid managed care plans
• Most BlueCross/BlueShield providers
• Many Aetna, UnitedHealthCare, and Cigna plans

Despite coverage, deductibles, copays, and prior authorization requirements often leave patients with out-of-pocket costs.

Securing Insurance Approval

To secure insurance coverage, essential steps include:

• Obtaining doctor’s recommendation – Critical for demonstrating medical need
• Submitting pre-authorization request – Initiates insurance review process
• Providing medical records – Imaging, tests, and diagnosis paperwork
• Following up on status – May require multiple inquiries and proof
• Appealing any denials – Don’t take initial rejection as final

Persistence and diligent record keeping are crucial when seeking coverage.

Where To Purchase or Rent One

Patients have several options when securing a prescribed bone growth stimulator:

Medical Equipment Suppliers

• Large inventory available for rentals or purchase
• Handle insurance approval submissions
• Offer maintenance and replacement if issues arise

Online Medical Retailers

• Convenient home delivery options
• Discounted pricing but limited customer service
• Verify device licensing and legitimacy first

Hospitals and Clinics

• Existing healthcare relationships
• Limited bone growth stimulator inventory
• Often charge higher prices than dedicated equipment suppliers

Shop around for the ideal service, support, and pricing balance.

Price Comparison Between Brands

Pricing also varies based on stimulator manufacturers and specific models:

Notable Brands

• EBI Bone Healing System – $2,000 – $4,000
• Orthofix Physio-Stim – $1,500 – $3,500
• DJO Exogen – $2,000 – $5,000
• Zimmer Biomet – $2,500 – $4,500
• Trilliant Sonic Accelerated Fracture Healing System – $1,500 – $3,000

Request quotes across multiple brands to find potential savings.

Alternative Treatment Options

Depending on injury severity, alternatives beyond stimulators exist:

Bone Grafting Surgery

• Transplants bone from one part of body to another
• More invasive and higher risk than stimulators
• Lengthy recovery period

Physical Therapy

• Stretches and exercises to strengthen fusion sites
• Improves mobility and circulation
• Typically covered by insurance

Lifestyle Changes

• Healthy diet aids bone regeneration
• Stopping smoking and medication compliance also beneficial

Discuss all options thoroughly with your treatment team.

Final Words

The cost of a bone growth stimulator varies based on the type and whether it’s rented or purchased, but typically ranges between $500 and $5,000. While not inexpensive, these devices provide an effective non-surgical option for accelerating bone healing after injuries. With doctor guidance and insurance approval, bone growth stimulators can positively impact patient outcomes when standard treatments fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you start using a bone stimulator?

Most doctors recommend starting bone growth stimulator treatment once fracture healing has plateaued or ceased progressing with other methods. Beginning too early may overstimulate the area. Ideal timing is evaluated on a patient-by-patient basis.

How long is a bone growth stimulator used?

The average bone growth stimulator treatment period lasts 3-9 months depending on the severity of injury and response rate. Your doctor will monitor your progress and advise how long to continue usage for optimal results.

Can you reuse a bone stimulator?

Provided the original user is finished with treatment and fully recovered, used bone growth stimulators may be safely reused by a new patient under doctor supervision. However, replacement pads and thorough sanitization are strongly recommended before switching users.