Introduction
New York City is a hub of medical excellence, offering a wide range of healthcare services for various medical conditions, including those related to the mandibular margin. Whether it's a routine check - up, a diagnostic test, or a surgical procedure, having a clear understanding of the available public hospitals and their pricing can be extremely beneficial for patients. In this article, we will explore five public hospitals in New York City that provide services for the mandibular margin and provide relevant price information where available.
1. The Brooklyn Hospital Center
Overview
The Brooklyn Hospital Center is located at 121 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11201. It has been serving the community with a diverse set of medical services. The hospital's contact number is (718) 250 - 8000.
Services for Mandibular Margin
One of the specific services related to the mandibular margin offered at the hospital is an X - ray of the mandible, minimum of 4 views. This is an imaging test that uses radiation to create pictures inside the mandible, the lower jaw. The X - rays are taken from four different angles of the mandible to obtain a comprehensive view of the area.
Why It's Needed
A doctor may order this X - ray to diagnose or monitor conditions of the mandible, such as jaw pain, disease, or trauma. It helps in accurately assessing the situation and formulating an appropriate treatment plan.
Procedure Details
During the procedure, the patient will be positioned in front of a specialized X - ray machine. They will be asked to remain still while the X - rays are taken from 4 different angles. The entire procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes. After the procedure is completed, the patient is usually free to go home. The X - rays will be reviewed by the radiologist, who will then send the results to the patient's doctor.
Price Information
The price that The Brooklyn Hospital Center has reported for the X - ray of the mandible, minimum of 4 views, varies depending on whether you are paying in cash or if you are part of an insurance plan that has a pre - negotiated rate. The hospital - reported cash price is $578.62. However, it's important to note that due to various factors, this price may not be the exact amount a patient will pay. Turquoise Health reviews hospital charges quarterly to ensure the price listed matches the price listed on the hospital website, but patients are encouraged to visit the hospital website for the latest, most accurate rate estimate. The cash charge listed includes hospital services only and may not contain professional fees for the physician providing the service.
Care Quality
The hospital has an overall ranking of 2 stars from CMS. The performance metrics show that the effectiveness of care is the same as the national average. However, in areas such as efficient use of medical imaging, the data is not available. Mortality is also the same as the national average, while patient experience, readmission, safety of care, and timeliness of care are below the national average. For value - of - care measures related to hip/knee replacement, heart attack, pneumonia, and heart failure, the hospital shows average results in terms of mortality and payment.
2. Mount Sinai - New York
Overview
Mount Sinai is well - known for its comprehensive healthcare services in New York City. It offers advanced medical treatments and state - of - the - art facilities.
Services for Mandibular Margin
A common procedure related to the mandibular margin performed at Mount Sinai’s division of oral and maxillofacial surgery is orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and crossbites. This surgery involves moving the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to an anatomically correct position, which allows for a good occlusion (bite), opening of the airway, and facial symmetry.
Who Needs It
Patients who require this surgery typically exhibit a bad bite (malocclusion), facial asymmetry, or have moderate - to - severe sleep apnea. These conditions can lead to improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders, which is why it's important to correct them.
Diagnostics and Insurance Process
The treatment sequence for patients begins with an evaluation by the orthodontist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The evaluation includes X - rays, models of the dentition, photographs, facial measurements, and a complete analysis of the data to come up with a problem list and a proposed treatment plan. The team at Mount Sinai uses the most advanced 3D X - rays and computer - assisted technology for their treatment planning. Once the diagnosis and surgical plan have been determined, the information is used to communicate with the orthodontist, explain the plan to the patient, and obtain insurance approval.
Virtual Surgical Planning and Surgical Guides
The virtual surgical planning (VSP) process starts with pre - operative orthodontic therapy. The goal of this orthodontic treatment is to level and align the teeth over the maxillary and mandibular bony arches, which can take 12 to 18 months. When the patient is ready for surgery, a complete workup is performed with the use of cone - beam 3D CT scan and 3D photomorphometry, allowing for virtual surgical planning (VSP) of the procedure. VSP is an extremely accurate tool that enables the surgeon to perform or “rehearse” the surgery in a virtual environment before the actual procedure in the operating room. It also helps predict the outcome of the procedure and is used for the design and fabrication of surgical guides using 3D printers to ensure the accurate transfer of the VSP to the operating room.
Procedure and Aftercare
The orthognathic procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room with the braces in place. Internal fixation devices (small titanium screws and plates) are used to connect the repositioned segments to the jaws. Patients usually stay in the hospital for approximately 1 to 2 days. After the procedure, it is common to use training elastics from the upper jaw orthodontic appliances to the lower jaw appliances to help retrain the patients to close into their new bites. The patient's diet is limited to a liquid or non - chew diet for four weeks to allow for undisturbed healing of the osteotomies. Patients return to the orthodontist 6 to 8 weeks after the surgical procedure to start the post - operative orthodontic phase to “fine - tune” and perfect the final occlusion, which can last from 3 to 6 months. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will continue to follow the patients over time to monitor the outcome and identify and manage any relapse of the treatment.
Price Information
Price details for orthognathic surgery at Mount Sinai are not as straightforward as a simple X - ray. The cost depends on multiple factors such as the complexity of the case, the duration of hospital stay, the need for additional medical supplies, and the specific services provided. Patients are advised to contact the hospital's billing department or their insurance company to get a more accurate and personalized price estimate. Insurance coverage can also play a significant role in determining the out - of - pocket expenses for the patient.
3. Weill Cornell Medicine
Overview
Weill Cornell Medicine, located at 525 East 68 St, Suite F - 2132, New York, NY 10065, is a renowned academic medical center offering high - quality care in the field of dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery. It operates from Monday to Friday, 09:00 am - 05:00 pm, and can be contacted at (212) 746 - 5175.
Services for Mandibular Margin
The hospital specializes in orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Surgical treatment at Weill Cornell Medicine is usually conducted in combination with orthodontics. The goal is to correct conditions that may be the root causes for improper chewing, facial dysfunction, speech issues, joint pain, and sleep disorders.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
Patients can expect convenient, individualized care at Weill Cornell Medicine. The hospital is sensitive to the patients' needs and creates a supportive, comfortable environment while providing highly specialized care. Additionally, it offers a multidisciplinary approach. Orthognathic surgeries require comprehensive, collaborative care from both orthodontics and surgery, and this unique approach coordinates complex care, providing focused support before, during, and after the surgery.
Surgical Correction of Maxillofacial Skeletal Deformities
The surgical correction of maxillofacial skeletal deformities includes reconstructive procedures that correct deformities of the jaws, facial skeleton, and associated soft tissues. These abnormalities can be caused by genetic, environmental, developmental, functional, or pathologic factors. Musculoskeletal deformities of the facial bones can occur in different planes of space and in various combinations, unilaterally or bilaterally, and in either one or both jaws. The surgical procedures involve repositioning and recontouring the facial bones to correct functional and/or pathologic problems, with the principal goal of restoring and/or improving function and preventing potential sequelae.
What to Expect Before Surgery
At Weill Cornell Medicine and New York - Presbyterian, the initial visits focus on determining exactly if and what jaw surgery the patient needs. Data is collected in the form of radiographs, measurements of the face and teeth, clinical photographs, and health history. The medical team will answer any questions from the patient or their family members, analyze the data, create models of the bite, and develop a comprehensive plan to correct the problem. Before the actual surgery, the patient needs to work with their orthodontist to move their teeth into the correct position within the jawbone, which typically involves six to twelve months of braces. During this time, the surgeon will check on the patient periodically. When the teeth are close to alignment, the surgery date will be scheduled.
What to Expect After Surgery
Once the teeth are aligned, new diagnostic records are obtained, and computer - assisted digital surgical planning is performed. The patient will receive detailed instructions for the days leading up to and the day of the surgery. The surgery will take place at New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell campus, one of the top - ranked hospitals in the country. The patient can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two nights. Approximately six weeks after surgery, the patient will return to the orthodontist to finish aligning the teeth to the new jaw position. For the first six to eight weeks after surgery, the bones will be healing into their new location, and the patient will be restricted to a diet of liquids and soft foods, and their activity will be limited. The patient and the surgeon will discuss the return to full activity.
Cost of Evaluation
Weill Cornell Medicine does not participate with commercial dental insurance but participates with many medical insurances for oral surgery care. Patients are advised to contact the hospital for more information regarding the cost of evaluation and potential out - of - pocket expenses.
4. Bellevue Hospital Center
Overview
Bellevue Hospital Center is a well - established public hospital in New York City. It has a long history of providing quality healthcare services to a diverse population.
Services for Mandibular Margin
Bellevue offers a range of diagnostic and treatment services for mandibular margin - related issues. While specific procedures may vary, it can handle common conditions such as fractures, infections, and TMJ disorders. Diagnostic services may include X - rays, CT scans, and MRI to accurately assess the condition of the mandible.
Price Information
According to the NYC Health + Hospitals facility charges list (https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/paying-for-your-health-care/facility-charges/), there is a downloadable file for Bellevue Hospital Center's standard charges. However, as per research by ClearHealthCosts, despite the legal requirement for hospitals to publicly post prices since January 1, 2021, it has been challenging to find reliable prices. Spot - checking prices for procedures like spinal MRI at Bellevue showed discrepancies between the official spreadsheet and the online price estimator. The spreadsheet listed a price of $531.06 for a spinal MRI (CPT code 72148), while the price estimator gave $1,002. Similar issues may be present when it comes to mandibular - related procedures. Patients are encouraged to directly contact the hospital's billing department for accurate pricing and to clarify any confusion regarding the costs.
5. Elmhurst Hospital Center
Overview
Elmhurst Hospital Center is an important healthcare provider in New York City, serving the local community with a broad spectrum of medical services.
Services for Mandibular Margin
The hospital offers services for mandibular margin conditions, including diagnostic imaging and treatment options. It can diagnose and treat problems such as mandibular fractures, cysts, and periodontal diseases related to the mandible. Diagnostic tests similar to other hospitals, such as X - rays and advanced imaging modalities, are available to assess the condition accurately.
Price Information
As with other NYC Health + Hospitals facilities, Elmhurst's standard charges are available in a downloadable file (https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/paying-for-your-health-care/facility-charges/). However, like Bellevue, there are price discrepancies. For example, for a spinal MRI (CPT code 72148), the spreadsheet said it would cost $273 for a patient without insurance, but the price estimator said it would cost almost $350 more, at $621. When considering mandibular - related services, patients should be aware of these potential price variations and directly contact the hospital to get an accurate and personalized price estimate.
Comparison of the Five Hospitals
Hospital Name | Services for Mandibular Margin | Price Information | Care Quality Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
The Brooklyn Hospital Center | X - ray of mandible (min 4 views) | Cash price for X - ray: $578.62 (varies based on payment method) | 2 - star overall rating from CMS; effectiveness of care same as national average, some areas below national average |
Mount Sinai - New York | Orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and crossbites | Complex and depends on multiple factors; contact hospital billing for estimate | Well - known for advanced medical treatments and technology |
Weill Cornell Medicine | Orthognathic / corrective jaw surgery for overbites, underbites, and crossbites | Does not participate with commercial dental insurance, participates with many medical insurances; contact for details | Multidisciplinary care, individualized approach |
Bellevue Hospital Center | Diagnostic and treatment for mandibular fractures, infections, TMJ disorders | Price discrepancies between spreadsheet and estimator; contact hospital for accurate price | Long - standing public hospital with a diverse patient population |
Elmhurst Hospital Center | Diagnostic and treatment for mandibular fractures, cysts, periodontal diseases | Price discrepancies between spreadsheet and estimator; contact hospital for accurate price | Key provider for the local community |
Challenges in Finding Accurate Price Information
As shown in the examples from ClearHealthCosts, even with the implementation of price transparency laws since January 1, 2021, it has been extremely difficult for patients to find reliable and accurate price information for medical procedures at New York City's public hospitals. Many hospitals do not make the price data easy to find or use. There is no standard place on the websites to locate the information, and patients often have to search all over and use various search terms. Even when the data is found, it may be in an unusual file format that is difficult to open, or the files may be too large for regular computers. Moreover, as demonstrated by the multiple - price discrepancies in procedures like spinal MRI, pelvic ultrasound, and knee replacement, patients are left confused about which price to trust. This lack of clarity makes it challenging for patients to plan for their medical expenses and make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several public hospitals that offer services for the mandibular margin