BCBS analyzed medical claims data of its commercially insured members between 2010 and 2017.
Four things to know:
1. In 2017, the national average price for a complete orthopedic care episode was $34,000, with average costs of $34,513 for inpatient knee replacements and $34,282 for inpatient hip replacements.
2. Among the biggest 100 metropolitan statistical areas, 30 have a price spread greater than $25,000 for hip and knee procedures.
3. In 2017, the greatest price spread for planned knee replacements was in San Antonio, ranging from $22,547 to $88,231 for the same episode of care.
4. In 2017, Dallas had the greatest price spread for planned hip replacements, ranging from $20,597 to $98,638 for the same episode of care.
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