Hip Replacement Q&A

Learn More About Surgery, Timing, Costs, and Coverage

Am I ready for hip replacement?
Only your orthopaedic surgeon can decide if hip replacement is the appropriate treatment for you. And only you can decide if you are ready for it. Being ready starts with being educated, so learn more about hip replacement surgery.

How old do I need to be before I have hip replacement surgery?
Today, advanced techniques and technologies have revolutionized hip replacement surgery, allowing more arthritis patients to consider treatments at an earlier stage (and age) than they had in the past. Hip replacement is generally related to need, not age.

Why do people wait so long to have hip replacement surgery?
Many people delay joint replacement due to fear, misinformation, or a lack of awareness about their treatment options. Often, many of these same patients wish they had done it sooner.

What should I expect once I’ve decided to have hip replacement surgery?
Once you and your surgeon have decided hip replacement is right for you, your primary care physician or internist will take you through a preoperative medical evaluation. Find more pre-surgery information here.

How long will recovery and rehab take?
After surgery, a few days in the hospital are normal. Typical recovery takes 3 to 6 months. Read more about recovery and rehabilitation here.

What is the cost of a hip replacement?
The cost of a total hip implant depends on your individual needs, but typically costs from a few thousand to several thousand dollars plus orthopaedic surgeon fees and the cost of your hospital stay. However, most insurance companies as well as Medicare and Medicaid cover hip replacement surgery. You should contact your insurance provider to see whether hip replacement is covered under your plan.

If you do not have private insurance or Medicare, you may want to visit the website www.covertheuninsured.com to research resources in your area.

How can I pay for my hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery is considered medically necessary and is typically covered by both private insurance and Medicare. Your out-of-pocket expenses may be impacted by either your co-pay or deductible, so you should check with your insurance company for complete information.

What is the cost of waiting to get a hip replacement?
A recent study found that patients who waited an extended amount of time to get surgery lost more quality time, experienced more pain, and suffered more preventable joint deterioration than those who did not wait as long to undergo surgery.¹

References:
1. Ostendorf M, Buskens E, van Stel H, Schrijvers A, Marting L, Dhert W, Verbout A. Waiting for total hip arthroplasty: avoidable loss in quality time and preventable deterioration. J Arthroplasty. 2004;19:302-309.

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