Most endoscopic and minimally invasive spine procedures are covered by insurance when they are medically necessary. Dr. Kazarian practices at NYU Langone Health, which participates with most major insurance plans, and his team handles prior authorization before any surgery is scheduled. This page explains how coverage typically works so you can plan with confidence. It describes general patterns, not a quote; your plan documents and insurer are the final word on your benefits.
What determines your out-of-pocket cost
Your insurance plan
Deductible, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximum have a larger effect on your final cost than the procedure itself. Many patients who have met their deductible owe relatively little.
The specific procedure
A single-level endoscopic decompression involves different facility and implant costs than a multi-level fusion. Your surgical plan determines the billed services.
Facility and anesthesia
Surgeon, facility, and anesthesia services are typically billed separately. Same-day (outpatient) procedures generally involve lower facility costs than those requiring a hospital stay.
Pre-operative requirements
Imaging, medical clearance visits, and physical therapy before surgery are usually billed as separate services under your plan's outpatient benefits.
Questions to ask your insurer
- Is Dr. Erick Kazarian (NPI 1538515432) in-network under my plan?
- What are my deductible, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximum, and how much of the deductible have I met this year?
- Does the procedure code my surgeon's office provides require prior authorization?
- Are the facility and anesthesia providers at NYU Langone in-network for my plan?
- Is physical therapy after surgery covered, and how many visits?
Cost and coverage questions, answered
Is endoscopic spine surgery covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. Endoscopic decompression and endoscopic fusion are established surgical treatments for conditions such as disc herniation, sciatica, and spinal stenosis, and most major insurance plans cover them when they are medically necessary. Coverage is confirmed through prior authorization before surgery is scheduled.
How much does endoscopic spine surgery cost in NYC out of pocket?
For insured patients, out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximum rather than a single sticker price. The practice obtains prior authorization and can help you get a cost estimate from your insurer before surgery, so there are no surprises.
Does Dr. Kazarian accept my insurance?
Dr. Kazarian practices at NYU Langone Health, which participates with most major insurance plans. Because participation varies by specific plan, the most reliable check is to call the office with your insurance information or verify directly with your insurer using his NPI, 1538515432.
What is prior authorization and who handles it?
Prior authorization is your insurer's review and approval of a planned surgery before it happens. Once you and Dr. Kazarian decide on a surgical plan, the surgical coordination team submits the clinical documentation and imaging to your insurer and follows the request through to a decision.
Is a second opinion covered by insurance?
Most plans cover second-opinion consultations with a specialist, and some encourage or require them before spine surgery. A consultation to review your MRI and discuss whether endoscopic surgery fits your situation is billed as a standard office visit.
Will physical therapy after surgery be covered?
Post-operative physical therapy is a covered benefit under most plans, subject to your plan's visit limits and co-pays. Many endoscopic patients need less formal therapy than after open surgery, but every recovery plan is individualized.
Have a coverage question?
Call any of the offices with your insurance information and the team can help you verify participation and understand next steps.
- Midtown East: 212-618-5900
- Tarrytown: 914-556-4930
- Penn District: 646-987-3436
This page is general information, not a guarantee of coverage or a cost estimate. Benefits vary by plan and change over time; confirm details with your insurer. Erick R. Kazarian, MD and NYU Langone Health billing teams provide estimates specific to your plan before surgery.