Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet
By Daniel Petkevich
Jan 11, 2023

Understanding Medicare Coverage for Stress Incontinence Treatment

As we grow older, we become more likely to develop various health issues — including stress incontinence. Though this condition can occur at any age, it's more common in older adults.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
One effective treatment for stress incontinence is bladder sling surgery. It's a minimally invasive procedure and is often covered by insurance.
Keep reading to find out more. In this article, we'll discuss stress incontinence, how bladder sling surgery treats the condition, and whether Medicare will cover the expenses.

What Is Stress Incontinence?

Incontinence is the loss of control over urination or bowel movements. It's a common problem that can affect people of all ages and impact their life.
Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence caused by physical activity (e.g., coughing, sneezing, or lifting). These physical movements put pressure on the bladder, causing it to leak urine.
Stress incontinence is more common in women than men and can be caused by several factors — including pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, obesity, prostate surgery, and certain medical conditions.

What's Bladder Sling Surgery?

A bladder sling surgery (AKA a mid-urethral sling procedure) treats stress urinary incontinence. It most commonly treats females but can also be performed on males.
During the procedure, a surgeon creates a "sling" out of synthetic material or human tissue and places it under the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The sling prevents urine leakage — supporting the urethra and keeping it closed when you are not urinating.
Visual asset.

‎Bladder Sling Surgery | A.M.I

How Long Does Bladder Sling Surgery Take?

The procedure usually takes only 30-60 minutes. However, recovery time can vary depending on the individual.
Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.

How Is Bladder Sling Surgery Performed?

‎Bladder sling surgery is an outpatient procedure. You'll receive local or general anesthesia, depending on your specific condition.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision:
  • In femalesbetween the urethra and the vagina
  • In malesin the abdomen or through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus)
The surgeon then inserts a synthetic mesh material (in the form of a sling) and positions it around the urethra. This provides support and helps keep the urethra closed.
The surgeon may draw up the ends of the sling over the pubic bone or near the thigh creases — depending on their preferred technique. They'll test the sling to make sure it provides sufficient support during coughing and adjust its tension if necessary.

What Are Potential Complications of Bladder Sling Surgery?

Bladder sling surgery is a minor outpatient procedure. But like every surgery, it has risks.
Potential complications include:
  • Bleeding
  • Injury to the urethra, bladder, intestines or vagina
  • Erosion of the sling
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Pain
  • Difficulty urinating or increased urgency to urinate

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Medicare might cover bladder sling surgery — as long as your doctor declares it medically necessary.
That said, exact coverage depends on your specific plan.
  • For example, Original Medicare typically covers 80% of the approved cost for the surgery, while you pay the remaining 20%
  • However, if you're enrolled in a

    Medigap plan

    or

    Medicare Advantage plan

    , they may cover the remaining 20%
Check with your healthcare provider and review your plan's coverage rules. You want to know how much you'll owe, as well as any requirements or limitations that may apply.

How Much Does Bladder Sling Surgery Cost?

The cost of bladder sling surgery ranges anywhere from $6,000 – $25,000.
However, the exact cost depends on the following factors:
  • The type of procedure being performed
  • The experience and training of the surgeon
  • The location of the surgery
With Original Medicare, you could be stuck with 20% coinsurance of the approved amount. To save thousands of dollars on bladder sling surgery, we recommend

Medicare Supplement Plan G

, limiting out-of-pocket costs to the Part B deductible.

Takeaway

Stress incontinence occurs when physical activity or movement puts pressure on the bladder, causing accidental urine leakage.
Bladder sling surgery — an outpatient procedure with minor complications — treats stress incontinence and helps you lead a normal life.
Medicare might provide at least partial coverage for bladder sling surgery. But your exact out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your plan's coverage options for bladder sling surgery. If you need help, call us at 1-888-376-2028.

Our advisors

can break down the complexities of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

The feet of a man suffering from foot pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Nov 18, 2022
A women's restroom sign that has been modified to show the stick figure woman needing to use the toilet
Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?
Jan 11, 2023
Hands of doctor or nurse in medical gloves injecting a shot to a man patient stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Nov 29, 2022
Cover image
Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?
Jul 27, 2023
Cover image
Medicare & Ozempic
Jul 20, 2023
Fecal microbiota transplant from healthy in unhealthy intestine, FMT. Improvement intestinal microflora and normalization stool by introducing beneficial bacteria in bowel colon tract. Vector stock illustration
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Dec 2, 2022
Medicare Explained Thumbnail
Medicare Explained
Jan 3, 2022
Daniel Petkevich demonstrates Medicare coverage by using a scarf and hat as a metaphor
Medicare 101
May 20, 2020
Sleep apena stock image
Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?
Dec 27, 2022
Close up of a senior clutching their right wrist in pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?
Nov 23, 2022
Cover image
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
Aug 14, 2023
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?
Dec 8, 2022
Senior person holding tissue roll near a toilet bowl, using walker to walk to the bathroom stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Urodynamic Testing?
Dec 2, 2022
Cover image
2023 Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)
Sep 21, 2023
plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Nov 28, 2022
surgeons working over a patient stock image
Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Nov 30, 2022
Health insurance form on a table with pen, calculator and glasses stock image
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
Jan 18, 2023
Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?
Jan 20, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2024 Medicare Price Changes

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2023

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mental Health?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

How to Enroll in Social Security

How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage MSA Plans

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

The Fair Square Bulletin: July 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2024 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M