Today's Datapoint

$31,317 ... was the average typical cost (without complications) for a total knee replacement in 64 markets where claims data were reviewed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and Blue Health Initiative for their report "A Study of Cost Variations for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries in the U.S." ... but the surgery could cost as little as $11,317 (in Montgomery, Ala.) or as much as $69,654 (in New York City).