Gallbladder surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure used to treat conditions such as gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and gallbladder polyps. The cost of gallbladder surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location of the surgery, the type of hospital, the surgical approach used, and whether insurance is covering the costs.
Cost of Procedure by Location
Below is a chart comparing the cost of endoscopic gallbladder removal by state, both for outpatient hospital stays and for surgery centers. The prices listed are the average cash prices for the procedure, before insurance coverage.
| State | Outpatient Hospital Average Cash Price | Surgery Center Average Cash Price |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $7,446 | $4,364 |
| Alaska | $10,076 | $5,905 |
| Arizona | $8,427 | $4,939 |
| Arkansas | $7,382 | $4,326 |
| California | $9,248 | $5,420 |
| Colorado | $8,140 | $4,770 |
| Connecticut | $8,907 | $5,220 |
| Delaware | $8,655 | $5,072 |
| District of Columbia | $8,579 | $5,028 |
| Florida | $8,177 | $4,792 |
| Georgia | $7,664 | $4,491 |
| Hawaii | $7,752 | $4,543 |
| Idaho | $7,532 | $4,414 |
| Illinois | $8,548 | $5,010 |
| Indiana | $7,798 | $4,570 |
| Iowa | $7,088 | $4,154 |
| Kansas | $7,340 | $4,301 |
| Kentucky | $7,510 | $4,401 |
| Louisiana | $8,334 | $4,884 |
| Maine | $7,529 | $4,412 |
| Maryland | $8,864 | $5,195 |
| Massachusetts | $9,134 | $5,353 |
| Michigan | $8,413 | $4,931 |
| Minnesota | $9,470 | $5,550 |
| Mississippi | $7,574 | $4,439 |
| Missouri | $7,485 | $4,386 |
| Montana | $7,788 | $4,564 |
| Nebraska | $7,611 | $4,460 |
| Nevada | $8,040 | $4,712 |
| New Hampshire | $8,065 | $4,726 |
| New Jersey | $9,770 | $5,726 |
| New Mexico | $7,424 | $4,351 |
| New York | $9,193 | $5,388 |
| North Carolina | $7,379 | $4,324 |
| North Dakota | $8,199 | $4,805 |
| Ohio | $7,672 | $4,496 |
| Oklahoma | $8,210 | $4,811 |
| Oregon | $8,374 | $4,908 |
| Pennsylvania | $8,642 | $5,065 |
| Rhode Island | $9,212 | $5,399 |
| South Carolina | $7,863 | $4,608 |
| South Dakota | $7,326 | $4,293 |
| Tennessee | $7,389 | $4,330 |
| Texas | $7,985 | $4,680 |
| Utah | $8,322 | $4,877 |
| Vermont | $8,170 | $4,788 |
| Virginia | $7,947 | $4,657 |
| Washington | $8,865 | $5,195 |
| West Virginia | $7,953 | $4,661 |
| Wisconsin | $8,394 | $4,919 |
| Wyoming | $8,172 | $4,789 |
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Out-of-pocket costs for gallbladder surgery can vary based on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage, the deductible and coinsurance amounts, and any additional fees charged by the hospital or surgical center. As a result, the actual cost to a person may be different from the median cash price listed in the chart above.
Insurance Coverage
For people with private insurance, gallbladder surgery is often covered as a medical necessity, meaning most major insurance companies will cover the cost. However, coverage may vary depending on the insurance carrier and policyholder. Some common questions to ask when considering gallbladder surgery with insurance are:
- Does my policy require a second opinion before scheduling the procedure?
- What percentage of coverage does my policy handle?
- Will coverage change if I need additional procedures?
- What deductible do I have to meet?
- Is my policy responsible for co-payment or coinsurance?
- What kind of out-of-pocket expenses can I expect?
- What is my policy's out-of-pocket maximum?
- Does my policy cover any pre- or postsurgical care?
- Are all medical team members in-network?
- Does my policy cover care at the surgical center or hospital outpatient department?
- Are there any medications or related procedures my policy does not cover?
Without Insurance
For people without insurance, the cost of gallbladder surgery may range from $3,044 to $6,321, according to the 2023 data. Medicare currently estimates that gallbladder surgery could cost anywhere from $3,044 to $6,321. These estimates include facility and doctor fees, but Medicare notes that a person may incur additional costs.
Gallbladder surgery is increasingly being recognized as a medical necessity, with many private insurance companies now covering the cost of routine gallbladder removal, often without the need for prior authorization. For those seeking coverage, it may be helpful to compare costs among different insurance companies and policies, as well as explore financial assistance options for low-income individuals.
Financial Assistance
Those without insurance or whose insurance coverage does not cover the full cost of the procedure may find themselves unable to afford it. In such cases, financial assistance may be available through various programs and grants. Some examples of programs that can help with financial burdens associated with gallbladder surgery include:
- The HealthWell Foundation
- The Hill-Burton Program
- The Patient Action Network (PAN) Foundation
- Additionally, some facilities may offer payment plans or provide care on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Those considering gallbladder surgery should also research the out-of-pocket expenses associated with their specific procedure and choose a facility that offers competitive rates and financial assistance options.
##Gallbladder surgery is a commonly performed procedure with varying costs depending on several factors. By understanding the potential costs and exploring insurance and financial aid options, individuals can make more informed decisions about the treatment they choose. It is important to note that the cost of gallbladder surgery is likely to be covered in its entirety by most major insurance policies, allowing people to focus on their recovery rather than financial concerns.
