How Much Does the Exogen Bone Stimulator Cost?

Last Updated on June 5, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Exogen Bone Stimulator is an innovative technology designed to help heal difficult or non-healing bone fractures using safe, non-invasive low intensity pulsed ultrasound waves. This FDA-cleared device has been demonstrated in clinical studies to dramatically accelerate fresh fracture healing by 38% on average.

But for patients who need an Exogen Bone Stimulator prescribed by their orthopedic doctor or physical therapist, one of the most pressing questions is – what will this advanced treatment cost?

How Much Does the Exogen Bone Stimulator Cost?

The cost for the Exogen Bone Stimulator can range anywhere from $1,500 on the very low end, up to $4,000 or more on the higher end. This huge variance can make budgeting for Exogen therapy confusing. Additional costs like accessories, provider fees can add $500 – $1,000+.

However, the wide cost range exists for very specific reasons. There are a number of important variables that impact the total price a patient will pay. Understanding these cost factors is key to estimating potential expenses.

The major influences on Exogen Bone Stimulator pricing include:

• Model version and features
• New vs refurbished or used devices
• Direct purchase costs vs rental fees
• Individual supplier pricing variations
• Health insurance coverage and reimbursement rates
• Geographic location and local provider costs
• Discounts, promotions, or financing offers

Accounting for all these potential variables means Exogen costs can span from budget-friendly to quite expensive for cash payers.

Amazon provides detailed information on the cost of Exogen Bone Stimulator, stating that the device costs $1,600. This price is mentioned in a customer review, where the reviewer mentions that they had to purchase a new Exogen system due to continued need for therapy.

NCBI reports on the economic evaluation of bone stimulation modalities, including Exogen, which is an ultrasound device. According to the study, the cost per patient for Exogen is $5,488 for conservative treatment and $4,704 for conservative treatment with Exogen.

Indian Orthopaedic Association provides a systematic review of the literature on the economic evaluation of bone stimulation modalities, including Exogen. The study mentions that the cost savings for Exogen are $15,219 for conservatively treated patients and $13,259 for operatively treated patients.

Taylor et al. conducted a study on the use of Exogen in nonunion tibial fractures, finding that the cost per patient for Exogen was $5,488 for conservative treatment and $4,704 for conservative treatment with Exogen.

What is the Exogen Bone Stimulator?

Manufactured by medical device company Bioventus, the Exogen Bone Stimulator is a portable, prescription-only technology approved by the FDA to enhance healing in fractures and bone defects using low intensity pulsed ultrasound waves.

The Exogen device is placed over a cast or directly on the skin near the fracture site for 20 minutes daily. The ultrasound pulses gently stimulate the body’s natural bone repair mechanisms, enhancing bone regeneration and remodeling.

Multiple clinical studies have proven Exogen Bone Stimulation significantly accelerates fresh fracture healing by an average of 38% faster compared to no treatment. For difficult nonunion fractures that have failed to heal on their own after 6 months, Exogen helps heal 65-90% of cases.

This non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical therapy provides orthopedic doctors with a technology proven to speed up bone repair and avoid unnecessary repeat surgeries. But what are the costs?

Exogen Device Cost Components

When estimating the total price of Exogen Bone Stimulation therapy, it helps greatly to separate the costs into individual components:

Base Device Purchase Price

This represents the basic cost of the Exogen Bone Stimulator device itself. There are two main models:

• Exogen Mini – The smaller version designed for smaller treatment sites like wrists, ankles, and hands. Average cost is $1,500 – $2,500.
• Exogen Classic – The standard full-size model designed for larger bones and fractures. Cost typically ranges from $2,500 – $4,000.

Newer model units with advanced features and maximum remaining battery life cost more than refurbished units or used systems.

Accessories and Consumable Costs

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Wound VAC device, ARP Wave machine, or Holter Monitor.

On top of the base device price, additional accessory, maintenance, and consumable costs may include:

• Transmission gel – $25 – $75 for a set of tubes
• Batteries and chargers – $75 – $200
• Carrying cases – $50 – $150
• Cleaning supplies – $25 – $75
• Technician servicing for maintenance – $250 per appointment
• Customer support fees – $100+ per incident

These ancillary costs can potentially tack on an extra $500+ beyond just the Exogen device itself.

Provider Fees

Healthcare providers also incorporate charges for their professional services related to managing Exogen therapy:

• Initial consultation and fitting – $100 – $500
• Ongoing administration appointments – $50 – $200 per visit
• Physical therapy – $75 – $150 per session

When totaled, healthcare provider-related fees can add $500 – $2,000+ to the total Exogen treatment cost.

Figuring in all these potential cost components and ranges provides a more complete picture of the total potential expense.

Purchase Options: Buy vs. Rent

Patients have two main options when it comes to obtaining an Exogen Bone Stimulator – either purchasing the device outright for long-term use, or renting a unit for a short-term period of need. The purchase versus rental decision impacts costs significantly.

Buying an Exogen Bone Stimulator

The advantage of buying an Exogen device is owning the unit forever for repeated reuse or resale. Disadvantages include high upfront costs.

• Initial Purchase Price – $1,500 to $4,000+ for the device
• Long-Term Savings – No recurring rental fees, can resell used device to recover costs
• Disadvantages – Large upfront payment, may need replacement eventually

Buying is usually the best option for longer treatment plans of 4+ months anticipated use. But the high initial price point can be prohibitive for some patients. Financing may help offset this.

Renting an Exogen Bone Stimulator

Conversely, renting an Exogen device short-term costs much less upfront, but recurring fees apply for the duration needed.

• Lower Upfront Cost – $500 – $1,500 for a 1–3-month rental period
• Short-Term Savings – Pay only for the duration needed, lower initial payment
• Disadvantages – Recurring rental fees, limited use period

Renting is often the most affordable way to access Exogen therapy for very short 1–3-month treatment needs. This avoids the high purchase costs in favor of just paying rental fees for the period actually required.

Consider New vs. Used Models

Brand new Exogen units purchased directly from the manufacturer offer maximum remaining lifespan but cost more upfront.

• New models – $2,500 – $4,500+
• Refurbished – $1,500 – $3,000
• Used– $1,000 – $2,500

Used or refurbished units have a lower upfront cost, but may have a shorter remaining usable lifespan. This can increase the risk of failures or need for replacement during treatment. Check warranty coverage carefully.

Health Insurance That Covers

Many major health insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of an Exogen Bone Stimulator when medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor for fracture healing.

• Medicare – Covers 80% of cost if criteria met
• Medicaid – Varies by state, up to 100% covered
• Private insurers – Often cover 50-80% if deemed medically necessary

Always verify your specific coverage details in advance. Some plans may have limits on dollars covered or require deductibles or copays. Auto insurance may also cover Exogen costs for accident-related fractures.

How to Get the Most Insurance Coverage

Follow these steps to receive maximum Exogen cost coverage from your health insurance provider:

• Get your doctor’s prescription – A physician must prescribe Exogen therapy for your situation.
• Verify coverage – Call your insurance plan to confirm coverage details for bone stimulators.
• Obtain prior authorization – Your doctor may need to provide documentation to get pre-approval.
• Use in-network providers – Choosing in-network suppliers maximizes reimbursement eligibility.
• Appeal claim denials – You can resubmit a claim with additional medical info if coverage is denied.

Submitting the necessary information upfront prevents coverage issues and delays in reimbursement.

Financial Assistance Options

If insurance coverage falls short, other financial assistance programs can aid with managing Exogen Bone Stimulator costs through options like:

• Medicaid Coverage – Medicaid provides options for low-income patients in certain states.
• Manufacturer Payment Plans – Bioventus offers 12-month interest free financing.
• Grants and Charities – Groups like the NOF offer help for specific conditions.
• Payment Plan Negotiation – Suppliers may offer flexible no interest payment schedules.
• Crowdfunding Campaigns – Creating an online fundraiser through sites like GoFundMe.
• Negotiating Lower Prices – Hospitals or clinics may negotiate bulk purchase discounts that can be passed on.

Comparison Shopping

Large price differences exist between various Exogen suppliers. Comparison shopping providers against others in your region can yield significant savings.

Ask detailed questions on costs, services, features and policies. Compare itemized price quotes in writing. Consider checking with both local pharmacies and national durable medical equipment suppliers for the best deal.

Joining a medical sharing program like Medi-Share that leverages bulk purchase power can also reduce costs substantially.

Long-Term Cost Benefits

While the upfront costs of Exogen may seem high, successful faster bone healing provides significant long-term cost savings and benefits like:

• Fewer follow-up surgeries – Avoiding revision procedures due to non-healing.
• Shorter recovery times – Getting back to work and activity weeks sooner.
• Lower medication costs – Reducing prescription pain and inflammation meds.

Less paid time off work

• Minimizing lost wages from extended medical leave.

Exogen compares very favorably in terms of upfront affordability:

• Exogen – $1,500 to $4,000
• Surgical Screws/Plates – $5,000 to $20,000
• Stem Cell Therapy – $5,000 to $10,000
• PRP Injections – $1,000 to $3,000 per injection cycle
• Shockwave Therapy – $1,000 to $5,000

Avoiding expensive revision surgery or repeat injections makes Exogen very reasonable. And the non-invasive approach avoids pain and health risks of additional surgery.

Lowering Exogen Bone Stimulator Costs

Every dollar counts when managing medical expenses. Here are great tips for reducing total costs:

• Purchase used/refurbished models when suitable to cut purchase costs 30-50%
• Negotiate prices aggressively with multiple suppliers to find the best deal
• Apply for financial assistance programs like Medicaid and manufacturer discounts
• Use medical sharing programs to access group bulk purchase discounts
• Check insurance coverage details thoroughly and obtain pre-approvals to maximize reimbursement
• Ask about payment plan options to spread out costs interest-free over 6-12 months

Final Words

While the Exogen Bone Stimulator does represent a notable investment, countless patients who have benefited from faster fracture healing and avoided expensive repeat surgeries report the value gained makes the costs worthwhile.

For those unable to afford Exogen therapy out-of-pocket, the manufacturer and medical assistance groups provide aid options to ensure finances don’t stand in the way of access. With all these affordability resources and customized payment plans available, patients can focus their energy on healing rather than high costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I use Exogen?

Most patients use the Exogen Bone Stimulator device for 20 minutes once per day. Daily treatment is recommended to maintain the ultrasound signaling effect on the fracture until healing is complete, often for 4-6 months. The device itself can safely be reused for years if properly maintained.

What is the success rate of Exogen?

Clinical studies show Exogen Bone Stimulation therapy successfully accelerates fresh fracture healing by 38% on average compared to no treatment. For challenging nonunion fracture cases, Exogen helps heal 65-90% of fractures that had failed to mend on their own after 6+ months.

What is the duration of Exogen?

The typical Exogen treatment duration is 4-6 months while wearing the device daily. The ultrasound pulses promote incremental bone formation and strengthening over time. Doctors monitor healing progress with x-rays and exams to determine when maturation is complete. Prematurely stopping use risks slowing or stopping the enhanced bone regeneration.