Do insurance companies cover shoulder socket replacements?

In addition to Medicare and Medicaid, most private insurance companies cover the cost of shoulder socket replacement. Patients must contact their insurer directly for more information regarding coverage.

Shoulder socket replacement surgery is performed by a qualified orthopedic surgeon specializing in the procedure. The surgery involves replacing the original ball and socket with a plastic implant. The entire operation may take up to three hours, and include shoulder resurfacing.

The replacement typically involves a hospital stay of one to three days, though the shoulder may feel tender for up to several weeks. The total recovery time varies among patient, but is generally three to six months.