🏥 Procedure Costs
Medical procedures can cost anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars depending on where you go. Our procedure cost guides break down what hospitals actually charge, what Medicare pays, and how to find fair prices before you book.
Medicare Free Preventive Care: What's Covered and How to Avoid Surprise Bills
Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost. Learn which screenings are free, the AWV vs regular physical trap, and how to avoid being billed when your 'free' visit isn't.
Read guide →How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost in 2026?
Emergency appendectomy costs $20,000–$50,000 on average. Perforated appendix can reach $100,000+. See CPT codes 44950, 44970, 44960 and how to fight surprise OON bills.
Read guide →Spinal Fusion Surgery Cost in 2026: Full Breakdown
Spinal fusion surgery costs $50,000–$200,000+. Medicare pays ~$15,000–$25,000 via DRG. See implant markup data, prior auth requirements, and the 35% billing error rate with avg $8,400 overcharge.
Read guide →All Procedure Costs Guides (77)
Medicare Free Preventive Care: What's Covered and How to Avoid Surprise Bills
Medicare covers many preventive services at no cost. Learn which screenings are free, the AWV vs regular physical trap, and how to avoid being billed when your 'free' visit isn't.
How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost in 2026?
Emergency appendectomy costs $20,000–$50,000 on average. Perforated appendix can reach $100,000+. See CPT codes 44950, 44970, 44960 and how to fight surprise OON bills.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Cost in 2026: Full Breakdown
Spinal fusion surgery costs $50,000–$200,000+. Medicare pays ~$15,000–$25,000 via DRG. See implant markup data, prior auth requirements, and the 35% billing error rate with avg $8,400 overcharge.
Tonsillectomy Cost in 2026: For Adults & Children
Tonsillectomy costs $4,000–$12,000 without insurance. With insurance: $500–$2,000. See CPT codes 42820–42826, prior auth requirements, and how to avoid OON anesthesia bills.
Cataract Surgery Cost in 2026: What Insurance Covers
Cataract surgery costs $3,500–$7,000 per eye without insurance. Medicare covers standard lenses after a $257 deductible. Learn what's covered, what's not, and how to spot billing errors.
Dental Implant Cost: Prices & Insurance (2026)
A single dental implant costs $3,000–$6,000 in 2026. Most insurance skips the implant post. See FSA rules, financing options, and All-on-4 pricing.
Root Canal Cost: What to Expect in 2026
Front-tooth root canals average $700–$900; molars run $1,200–$1,800. See CDT codes, insurance limits, and how to dispute upcoded dental bills.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost: What to Pay in 2026
Simple wisdom tooth extraction costs $75–$300; impacted removal runs $350–$950 per tooth. See CDT codes, insurance rules, and how to spot upcoded bills.
Invisalign & Braces Cost: 2026 Insurance Guide
Invisalign costs $3,000–$8,000 in 2026; braces run $2,500–$7,500. See insurance lifetime maximums, FSA rules, and how to negotiate orthodontic fees.
LASIK Eye Surgery Cost: 2026 Pricing Guide
LASIK averages $2,200 per eye ($4,400 total) in 2026. See what's included vs. excluded, FSA eligibility, and how to evaluate $999/eye ads before you buy.
Mammogram Cost: 2026 Pricing With & Without Insurance
Screening mammograms are free under ACA rules, but diagnostic mammograms cost $100–$1,000. BillKarma flags the coding error that triggers unexpected charges.
Vasectomy Cost: Insurance Coverage & Pricing (2026)
Vasectomy costs $300–$1,000 out of pocket and as little as $0 with insurance. See 2026 CPT code 55250 rates, HSA rules, and how to verify coverage in advance.
Shoulder Surgery Cost: Prices by Procedure (2026)
Shoulder surgery costs $5,000–$50,000 depending on procedure. See 2026 Medicare rates for rotator cuff repair, SLAP repair, and replacement, plus how to cut your bill.
DEXA Scan Cost: Bone Density Test Pricing in 2026
DEXA scans average $125 at Medicare rates but hospitals charge up to $600. See who gets it free in 2026, CPT codes 77080–77085, and how to dispute overbilling.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Cost: 2026 Prices & Insurance
Carpal tunnel surgery costs $2,000–$8,000. See 2026 Medicare rates for CPT 64721 and 29848, ASC vs. hospital savings, and how to dispute inflated bills.
PET Scan Cost: 2026 Pricing & Insurance Coverage
PET scans average $3,000–$6,000 at hospitals but $1,500–$2,500 at freestanding centers. See 2026 Medicare rates, prior auth rules, and how to appeal a denial.
Dental Implant Alternatives: Bridges, Dentures & Cost
Implants cost $3,000–$6,000 per tooth. Bridges seem cheaper upfront—but BillKarma found 43% required replacement within 10 years, costing more long-term.
How Much Does Therapy Cost Per Session? (2026 Prices)
Therapy costs $100–$200/session without insurance, $20–$50 with insurance. See 2026 rates by therapy type, billing codes, and how to find affordable care.
How Much Does Heart Bypass Surgery Cost in 2026?
Heart bypass surgery (CABG) costs $70,000–$200,000+. Medicare pays $25,000–$40,000. Learn what drives costs, CPT codes, and how to avoid the 41% cardiac billing error rate.
How Much Does Chemotherapy Cost? (2026 Complete Guide)
Chemotherapy costs $10,000–$200,000+ per treatment cycle. See drug-by-drug costs, Medicare coverage, patient assistance programs, and how hospitals mark up chemo drugs.
Physical Therapy Cost Per Session in 2026 (With & Without Insurance)
Physical therapy costs $75–$350/session without insurance. With insurance, most patients pay a $20–$75 copay. See PT billing codes, visit limits, and how to spot billing errors.
Heart Stent Surgery Cost in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay
A heart stent procedure (PCI) costs $20,000–$60,000+. Medicare pays $8,000–$15,000. See the full cost breakdown, billing errors affecting 38% of procedures, and questions to ask before surgery.
CPAP Machine Cost & Insurance Coverage Guide (2026)
CPAP machines cost $500–$1,500. BiPAP costs $800–$3,000. Insurance usually covers CPAP as DME after a sleep study. See 2026 prices, HCPCS codes, and billing errors to watch for.
How Much Does Insulin Cost in 2026? (With & Without Insurance)
Insulin costs $25–$300 per vial depending on brand, insurance, and discounts. See exact 2026 prices, the $35/month cap, savings programs, and how to fight a denial.
Knee Arthroscopy Cost in 2026: What to Expect
Knee arthroscopy costs $5,000–$25,000+. At a surgery center it's 40–60% less. See costs by procedure type, Medicare coverage, CPT codes, and how to spot billing errors.
Radiation Therapy Cost: What to Expect in 2026
Radiation therapy costs $10,000–$120,000 depending on type. IMRT, proton therapy, CyberKnife prices explained with CPT codes and how to avoid $4,200 average billing errors.
Colonoscopy Cost in 2026: Free Under ACA, When It’s Not
Preventive colonoscopies are free under the ACA—until a polyp is removed. Learn the polyp trap, CPT codes, and how to fight unexpected bills. 34% of patients get surprised.
Hip Replacement Surgery Cost in 2026: Full Breakdown
Hip replacement surgery costs $30,000–$70,000+ without insurance. Medicare pays ~$12,000–$18,000 (DRG 470). See implant costs, ASC savings, and how to catch billing errors in 29% of claims.
Sleep Study Cost in 2026: In-Lab vs. Home Test
In-lab sleep studies cost $1,000–$7,000; home sleep tests run $150–$500. Medicare covers both. See CPT codes, prior auth rules, and billing errors found in 23% of sleep medicine claims.
How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost in 2026?
Ultrasound costs range from $200 to $3,000+ depending on type and location. See what you should pay with and without insurance, common CPT codes, and how to spot billing errors.
IVF Cost in 2026: What Insurance Covers & How to Afford It
A single IVF cycle costs $12,000–$25,000 without insurance. See what 20 state mandates cover, employer fertility benefits, CPT codes, and how to spot billing errors on fertility claims.
Dental Crown Cost in 2026: With & Without Insurance
Dental crowns cost $1,000–$3,500 without insurance. See material cost comparisons, CDT codes, how insurance annual maximums leave gaps, and the 22% billing error rate on crown procedures.
Hearing Aid Cost & Insurance Coverage in 2026
Hearing aids cost $200–$7,000/pair in 2026. Medicare covers $0 for traditional aids, but OTC options are now legal. See HCPCS codes, state Medicaid coverage, and how to spot billing fraud.
Endoscopy Cost in 2026: Upper GI, Lower GI & What Insurance Pays
Upper endoscopy costs $1,500–$6,000; colonoscopy $2,000–$4,500. Learn what insurance covers, how to verify anesthesia is in-network, and common GI billing errors.
Eye Exam Cost in 2026: With & Without Insurance
Routine eye exams cost $100–$250 without vision insurance. Learn what VSP and EyeMed cover, the difference between vision and medical billing, and free exam resources.
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) Cost in 2026
Gallbladder removal costs $10,000–$30,000 without insurance. ASCs run 40–60% cheaper than hospitals. See CPT codes, Medicare DRG rates, and the 27% billing error rate on cholecystectomy claims.
Hernia Repair Surgery Cost in 2026: All Types Explained
Hernia repair costs $4,000–$15,000 for inguinal, $10,000–$25,000 for hiatal. See 2026 Medicare rates for CPT codes 49505, 49650, 43280 and learn how to dispute billing errors.
STD Testing Cost in 2026: Free Options & What Insurance Covers
STD testing is $0 under the ACA for covered preventive screenings. Without insurance: $25–$500. See CPT codes, free testing resources, and how to dispute a wrongful charge.
Blood Work Cost Without Insurance in 2026 (Every Major Test)
CMP costs $10–$120, CBC $8–$100, full annual panel $100–$500. Hospital labs charge 3–5x more than Quest or LabCorp. See every CPT code and how to avoid facility fee overcharges.
Dermatologist Cost in 2026: Office Visit, Procedures & Insurance
How much does a dermatologist cost in 2026? Office visits run $150–$350 without insurance. Learn what insurance covers, common procedure costs, CPT codes, and how to spot billing errors.
Echocardiogram Cost in 2026: What You'll Pay With & Without Insurance
Echocardiogram costs range from $500 at a freestanding center to $3,000+ at a hospital. Learn what Medicare covers, how prior auth works, and how to avoid surprise bills from out-of-network cardiologists.
Kidney Stone Treatment Cost in 2026: ER, Shockwave & Surgery
Kidney stone treatment costs range from $3,000 for an ER visit to $50,000+ for surgery. Learn what Medicare covers, how observation status affects your bill, and common billing errors to watch for.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Cost & Insurance Coverage (2026)
CGMs cost $100–$400/month without insurance. Learn what Medicare and commercial plans cover, the 2024 CMS rule change for Type 2 patients, HCPCS codes, and how to appeal a CGM denial.
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby in 2026?
Vaginal delivery averages $13,000–$25,000 without insurance; C-sections run $19,000–$35,000. See what you'll actually pay out of pocket and how to handle surprise bills.
Ozempic & Wegovy Cost in 2026: Insurance Coverage Guide
Ozempic costs $900–$1,000/month list price; Wegovy $1,350/month. Learn how to get insurance coverage, navigate prior auth, and appeal a denial for GLP-1 drugs.
Emergency Dental Care Cost in 2026: ER vs. Dentist
ER dental visits average $2,100 for care a dentist could provide for $300. Here's what dental emergencies cost, when to go to the ER vs. dentist, and how to find affordable care.
Hair Loss Treatment Cost & Insurance Coverage in 2026
Insurance covers alopecia areata treatment and cranial prostheses — but not finasteride, PRP, or hair transplants. Here's how to get coverage and what you'll pay out of pocket.
Acne Treatment Cost & Insurance Coverage in 2026
Acne treatment ranges from $5 OTC to $800/month for Accutane. Learn what insurance covers, how to get isotretinoin through iPLEDGE, and how to cut costs with GoodRx and telehealth.
Allergy Testing Cost in 2026: Skin Tests, Blood Tests & What Insurance Covers
Allergy testing costs range from $60 to $1,500 without insurance. Learn what skin prick tests, blood tests, and patch tests cost, what insurance covers, and the billing errors that affect 27% of allergy claims.
Genetic Testing Cost & Insurance Coverage in 2026
Genetic testing costs range from $100 for carrier screening to $5,000+ for whole exome sequencing. Learn what insurance covers, when BRCA testing is free under ACA rules, and how billing errors affect 31% of genetic testing claims.
How to Pay Less for Prescription Drugs in 2026
130 million Americans take at least one prescription drug. Learn 11 proven strategies—from GoodRx to Cost Plus Drugs—that can cut your drug costs by 50–90%.
The Real Cost of Managing Diabetes in 2026 (With & Without Insurance)
Type 1 diabetes costs $16,000–$35,000/year. Type 2 costs $9,000–$18,000/year. See the full breakdown by supply type and learn every strategy to cut costs—including $25 Walmart insulin and Medicare CGM coverage.
HPV Vaccine Cost in 2026: Free Under Insurance & What to Do If Uninsured
Gardasil 9 costs $280 per dose without insurance. Here is how to get the HPV vaccine free or low-cost, whether you have insurance, are uninsured, or are between ages 27 and 45.
Asthma Treatment Cost in 2026: Inhalers, Biologics & What Insurance Pays
Asthma costs $2,000–$10,000+ per year. Here is what you actually pay for rescue inhalers, controller medications, and biologics — and how to reduce your costs.
Stroke Treatment Cost in 2026: ER, Hospitalization & Rehab
A stroke hospitalization averages $20,000–$100,000+ depending on type and severity. Here's what each phase costs, what Medicare covers, and the billing errors most common in stroke care.
Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation Cost in 2026
Egg freezing averages $10,000–$20,000 per cycle. Here's what's included, what insurance covers, how employer benefits help, and why 35% of fertility billing claims contain errors.
Dialysis Cost in 2026: What Medicare Covers & Your Options
In-center hemodialysis costs $90,000–$120,000 per year. Medicare covers dialysis for all ESRD patients regardless of age. Here is exactly what Medicare pays, what you owe, and how to reduce your costs.
How Much Does a C-Section Cost in 2026? Full Breakdown
Average C-section costs $23,000-$28,000 before insurance. See what you'll actually pay with or without coverage, plus 5 ways to lower your bill.
Knee Replacement Cost in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay
Total knee replacement averages $30,000-$50,000. With insurance you'll pay $3,000-$8,000. See the full cost breakdown, Medicare rates, and how to save.
Hip Replacement Cost in 2026: What You'll Actually Pay
Total hip replacement averages $32,000-$52,000. With insurance you'll pay $3,000-$8,000. See the full cost breakdown, Medicare rates, and 5 ways to save.
How Much Does a Blood Test Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
Blood tests cost $10-$3,000 depending on the test. A basic panel is $100-$300 without insurance. See costs for 15 common tests and where to get them cheapest.
Epidural Cost During Labor: What to Expect (2026)
An epidural during labor costs $2,000-$5,000. Most insurance covers it. See what the anesthesiologist charges, how billing works, and what to watch for.
ACL Surgery Cost in 2026: Full Price Breakdown
ACL reconstruction costs $20,000-$40,000 without insurance. With insurance, expect $2,000-$6,000. See costs by graft type, setting, and how to save.
Gallbladder Surgery Cost in 2026: Full Breakdown
Gallbladder removal costs $10,000-$25,000 at a hospital. Laparoscopic saves 30% vs open. See costs with and without insurance plus 5 ways to lower your bill.
How Much Does an X-Ray Cost in 2026? (By Body Part)
X-rays cost $100-$1,000 without insurance depending on body part and location. See costs for chest, hand, foot, spine, and knee X-rays plus how to save.
Average Cost of Childbirth in 2026: State-by-State Breakdown
The average cost of childbirth in the U.S. is $18,865 for vaginal delivery and $26,280 for C-section in 2026. See costs by state, what insurance covers, and.
Air Ambulance Bills: $50,000+ Costs and How to Fight Back
Air ambulance bills average $36,400 and can exceed $100,000. Learn how the No Surprises Act protects you, plus 5 strategies to reduce or eliminate air.
IVF and Fertility Treatment Costs: Insurance
A single IVF cycle costs $15,000-$30,000. Learn which states mandate coverage, how to appeal denials, medication savings, and financing options that cut.
Genetic Testing Bills: Insurance Coverage
Genetic tests cost $250-$10,000 and surprise bills are common. Learn about BRCA, prenatal, and pharmacogenomic testing costs, insurance pre-auth rules, and.
Dialysis Billing: Costs
Dialysis costs $90,000+/year. Learn how Medicare ESRD coverage works, the 3-month waiting period, common billing errors, and how to dispute them.
Dermatology Billing: Mohs Surgery
Dermatology bills are full of upcoded biopsies and unbundled Mohs surgery fees. Learn 7 common errors, CPT codes, and how to dispute overcharges.
Hearing Aid Costs and Insurance: Coverage
Hearing aids cost $1,000-$6,000 per ear. OTC options start at $200. Learn insurance coverage rules, Medicare limits, state mandates, and how to save.
Allergy Testing Costs: What Insurance Covers
A blood allergy panel can cost $4,200 when a $380 skin prick test is appropriate. Learn allergy test CPT codes, insurance rules, and how to dispute.
Bariatric Surgery Costs: Insurance Requirements
Bariatric surgery costs $15,000-$35,000. Learn insurance BMI requirements, the 6-month diet rule, how to appeal denials, and Centers of Excellence discounts.
Chiropractic Billing: Insurance Limits
Chiropractic visits cost $30-$200 each but insurers cap visits at 20-30 per year. Learn CPT codes 98940-98943, Medicare's limited coverage, maintenance care.
Newborn Hospital Bills: What to Expect and How to Audit
The average hospital birth costs $13,811. Parents get 2 separate bills—one for mom, one for baby—and miss errors in both. Here's how to catch them.
Orthopedic Surgery Billing: What Knee
Knee replacements average $35,000. BillKarma finds the same procedure varies by $40,000 between hospitals in the same city. Learn how to pay less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hospitals charge so much more than Medicare rates?
Hospitals set their own chargemaster prices, which can be 3–10x the Medicare-approved rate. Medicare rates represent what the government considers fair payment. The difference is negotiable — and BillKarma helps you do exactly that.
How do I find out what a procedure costs before I have it?
Under the Hospital Price Transparency Rule (effective 2021), hospitals must publish their prices online. BillKarma aggregates this data so you can compare costs across providers before you schedule.
Can I negotiate a medical bill after the fact?
Yes — most hospitals will negotiate. Ask for an itemized bill, compare it to Medicare rates, and request a reduction. Hospital billing departments expect negotiation, especially for self-pay or high-deductible patients.
What is the Medicare rate and why does it matter?
The Medicare rate is what the federal government pays for a procedure. It's the closest thing to a 'fair market price' for medical care. Anything above 2–3x Medicare is worth questioning.