How Much Does Bunion Surgery (Bunionectomy) Cost?
Also known as: Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo (CPT 28296)
Surgery to remove a bunion and realign the big toe joint to relieve pain and correct the deformity.
Bunion Surgery (Bunionectomy) (CPT 28296) costs $484 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $3.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Bunion Surgery (Bunionectomy)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The surgeon removes the bony bump, realigns the toe, and may use pins or screws to hold the correction. Usually done under ankle block or general anesthesia.
How Long Does It Take?
1-2 hours, same-day discharge
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Painful bunion, difficulty wearing shoes, big toe deformity, bunion affecting walking
How to Prepare
Fast after midnight. Arrange a ride home. Have crutches or a knee scooter ready. Plan for 6-8 weeks of limited walking.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo
How to Reduce Your Cost for Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($883) differs from the facility rate ($484). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $1, compared to $3 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (26.45) x CF ($33.40) = $883
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo is $484. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $3. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $1. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Cor hlx vlgs dstl mtar osteo when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.