The Cost Variability of Orthobiologics

Abstract

Objectives: Despite limited clinical data, many orthopedic practices offer orthobiologic injections. Such injections are not covered by insurance, and thus patients pay out of pocket for these treatments. The purpose of this study was to assess the variability in costs for platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell (SC) injections across practices and evaluate for variables that influence pricing. Methods: A list of 1,345 orthopedic sports medicine practices across the United States was compiled. Calls were made inquiring into the availability of PRP or SC knee injections and associated costs. In addition to pricing, practice type (academic or private), number of providers, and population and income demographics were recorded. Univariate statistical analyses were used to identify differences in availability and cost between variables. Results: Of the contacted offices, 268 (20.2%) offered both treatments, 550 (41.5%) offered only PRP injections, 20 (1.5%) offered only stem cell injections, and 487 (36.2%) did not offer either treatment. The mean (± SD) cost of a PRP injection was $707 ± $388 (range, $175 to $4,973), and the mean cost of a SC injection was $2,728 ± $1,584 (range, $300 to $12,000). Practices offering PRP and SC injections tended to be larger (for PRP - 11.6 physicians per practice vs. 8.1, P<0.001; for SC - 12.3 vs. 9.7, P=0.006). In addition, practices that offered PRP injections were located in areas with higher mean income ($67,500 vs. $64,300, P=0.047). Variables associated with higher cost of PRP injection included city population (P<0.001) and mean income of residents (P<0.001). Conclusion: While the majority of sports medicine practices across the United States offer some type of orthobiologic injection, there exists significant variability in the cost of these injections. The cost for PRP injections is higher in practices located in highly populated areas and in areas with greater mean incomes.