How Much Does Fusion of Foot Bones Cost?
Also known as: Fusion of foot bones (CPT 28735)
Triple arthrodesis (fusion of three joints in the hindfoot).
The total estimated cost of Fusion of Foot Bones (CPT 28735) is $2,448 to $4,590, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $728.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Fusion of Foot Bones
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under anesthesia, the surgeon fuses the subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints to create a stable, pain-free hindfoot.
How Long Does It Take?
2-3 hours
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Severe flatfoot, rheumatoid arthritis of the foot, post-traumatic foot deformity, neuromuscular foot deformity
How to Prepare
Fast before surgery. Non-weight-bearing 8-12 weeks. Custom shoes or orthotics needed afterward.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Fusion of foot bones
How to Reduce Your Cost for Fusion of foot bones
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
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
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 (21.81) x CF ($33.40) = $728
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fusion of foot bones cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Fusion of foot bones is $728. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Fusion of foot bones cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Fusion of foot bones 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 Fusion of foot bones?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Fusion of foot bones 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.