Understanding the Cost of Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty has been heralded for revolutionizing sinus surgery since it was introduced more than a decade ago. Wondering what’s involved with balloon sinuplasty surgery and -- perhaps more importantly -- whether you can afford it? Here’s a closer look at this cutting edge procedure and what you can expect to pay for it.

About Balloon Sinuplasty

While acute sinusitis can usually be treated by primary care physicians, people with chronic sinusitis are often referred to otolaryngologists, AKA an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors. These specialists conduct more thorough exams aimed at determining how best to reduce the inflammation, drain the nasal passages, and identify and correct the underlying cause of the problem, such as allergies. When more conservative treatments don’t work, sinus surgery is often recommended.The good news? While conventional sinus surgery uses an external incision that may lead to scarring, minimally-invasive balloon sinuplasty involves no removal of bones or tissue but is equally effective. In fact, according to a long-term analysis of balloon sinuplasty published in the academic journal, Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, patients show “significant improvements” years after undergoing the procedure. Balloon sinuplasty surgery also boasts faster recovery times and without the complications associated with traditional surgery. (There’s a reason why its nickname is the “smart sinus” procedure.)Wondering whether you’re a candidate for balloon sinuplasty? The American Sinus Institute’s Sinus Symptom Checker can help you make sense of your symptoms.

Balloon Sinuplasty Cost

Since it was cleared by the FDA in 2005, balloon sinuplasty has been performed on more than 150,000 patients -- a number that’s growing by the day. Given its proven efficacy and positive outcomes, it’s hardly a surprise that so many people in the San Antonio, Texas region and all over the world are turning to this breakthrough procedure for relief from chronic sinusitis and its symptoms.Balloon sinuplasty is not just preferable to traditional sinus surgery because it's both safe and effective, it can also be more affordable. As an outpatient procedure, when balloon sinuplasty is performed in the doctor’s office under local or general anesthesia, you can expect to pay less than you would for sinus surgery performed in an operating room. You’ll also have less downtime following the surgery so you can return more quickly to your everyday life.Plus, not only does Medicare’s sinus surgery insurance coverage include balloon sinuplasty, but many insurance carriers cover it, as well -- especially given that the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery stands behind its use and released a statement which “strongly encourages” all insurance carriers to cover it.One last thing to keep in mind if you’re considering balloon sinuplasty surgery? In addition to being an investment in your sinus health, it’s also an investment in your overall wellness and quality of life. If you live in the San Antonio, Texas area and you’re ready to stop living with sinus pain and to start breathing freer, book an appointment today with the American Sinus Institute.