What is the Cost of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Procedure?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves heating a painful nerve in the spine, hips, knees, or anywhere in the body to prevent it from sending painful signals to the brain. This procedure is generally recommended for cases where joint pain has not responded to conservative treatments, such as medication or injections. For many patients, an RFA can provide relief that allows the resumption of daily activities and a better quality of life. Those with high-deductible or uninsured health plans can save when they purchase their procedure in advance through MDSave. However, the cost of RFA can vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and other factors.

The cost of RFA can also be affected by the lack of mature regulations in the country, the likelihood of additional treatments, and the costly procedures associated with it. A study was conducted to compare the quality of life of benign thyroid nodule (BTN) patients who were treated with RFA versus those who received open thyroidectomy (OT). The results showed that RFA had clinical superiority over OT due to its faster recovery, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. A one-way sensitivity analysis was also carried out to reduce the price of RFA by 10% and 30%, as technology advances and more efficient and low-cost procedures become available. In addition, RFA is recommended for patients who are ineligible for surgery due to high surgical risk or medical conditions. To be eligible for RFA, patients must have cytological confirmation of the benign nature of the nodule with an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology examination according to the American Bethesda System to report thyroid cytopathology.

In cases where the first ablation is unsuccessful, some patients may require a second ablation. Overall, RFA is a safe and effective procedure for treating joint pain that has not responded to conservative treatments. Those with high-deductible or uninsured health plans can save when they purchase their procedure in advance through MDSave. The cost of RFA can vary depending on insurance coverage and other factors.