A total hip replacement costs $32,000–$52,000 before insurance at most hospitals. With insurance, you’ll pay $3,000–$8,000 out of pocket. But the price can vary by $25,000+ for the exact same surgery depending on where it’s performed. Here’s the full cost breakdown and how to pay less.
1. Full cost breakdown
| Component | CPT/DRG Code | Typical Charge | Medicare Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | CPT 27130 | $4,500–$9,000 | ~$1,500–$1,900 |
| Anesthesia | CPT 01214 | $2,000–$4,500 | ~$800–$1,300 |
| Facility/room (1–3 nights) | DRG 470/469 | $16,000–$26,000 | ~$10,000–$14,000 (total DRG) |
| Hip implant (femoral + acetabular) | Various | $5,000–$14,000 | Bundled in DRG |
| Pre-op imaging (X-ray/MRI) | CPT 73502/73721 | $400–$2,000 | ~$150–$500 |
| Lab work | Various | $200–$800 | ~$50–$150 |
| Physical therapy (in-hospital) | CPT 97110 | $300–$800 | ~$100–$200 |
| Post-op medications | Various | $200–$600 | Varies |
Look up what Medicare pays for hip replacement in your area:
2. Cost with vs. without insurance
| Coverage Type | Total Bill | Your Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Employer PPO | $35,000–$52,000 | $3,000–$8,000 (deductible + coinsurance up to OOP max) |
| Original Medicare | $12,000–$14,000 (DRG rate) | $1,676 (Part A deductible) |
| Medicare Advantage | Varies | $1,500–$5,000 (plan copay) |
| Medicaid | $8,000–$12,000 | $0–$4 |
| Uninsured (chargemaster) | $35,000–$65,000 | Full amount (negotiate 40–60% off) |
| Uninsured (cash pay rate) | $20,000–$30,000 | Full amount |
$48,000 vs. $22,000 for the same surgery
A 62-year-old in Phoenix compared prices for total hip replacement. The academic medical center quoted $48,000; a community hospital quoted $34,000; and an orthopedic ASC quoted $22,000. All three used the same implant brand. She chose the ASC and saved $26,000. Her insurance covered it at the ASC with a lower copay too.
3. Medicare coverage and rates
Medicare covers total hip replacement as medically necessary. Hospital inpatient stays are billed under DRG codes:
| DRG | Description | Medicare Payment (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 470 | Major joint replacement, no complications | ~$12,000–$13,500 |
| 469 | Major joint replacement, with complications | ~$16,000–$20,000 |
Your cost: Part A deductible of $1,676, then $0 for days 1–60. If you have a Medigap plan, it may cover the deductible. For outpatient hip replacement at an ASC, you pay 20% coinsurance under Part B.
For details on how Medicare handles orthopedic billing, see our orthopedic billing guide.
4. Anterior vs. posterior approach costs
| Factor | Anterior Approach | Posterior Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon fee | Same CPT 27130 | Same CPT 27130 |
| Hospital stay | 0–1 night (often same-day) | 1–3 nights |
| Total cost | $28,000–$42,000 | $32,000–$52,000 |
| Recovery | 4–6 weeks | 6–10 weeks |
| ASC eligible | Yes (common) | Less common |
| Dislocation risk | Lower (~1%) | Higher (~2–3%) |
The anterior approach tends to cost less because of shorter hospital stays and ASC eligibility. Ask your surgeon which approach they recommend for your anatomy and which setting they perform it in.
5. Hospital vs. surgery center
| Setting | Typical Total Cost | Savings vs. Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital inpatient (1–3 nights) | $35,000–$52,000 | — |
| Hospital outpatient (same-day) | $28,000–$40,000 | 15–25% |
| Ambulatory surgery center | $20,000–$32,000 | 30–45% |
Find surgery centers in your area: BillKarma Surgery Center Directory
6. Factors that affect your cost
- Geography: Hip replacement costs 40–60% more in major metros vs. rural areas. Medicare rates also vary by region.
- Hospital type: Academic centers > community hospitals > ASCs in cost. Check your hospital’s pricing in our hospital directory.
- Implant choice: Standard ($5K–$8K) vs. ceramic ($10K–$14K). Similar outcomes for most patients.
- Surgical approach: Anterior approach = shorter stay = lower cost.
- Complications: Infection, dislocation, or revision can add $15,000–$60,000+.
- Surgeon volume: High-volume surgeons (100+ hips/year) have fewer complications, which means lower total costs.
7. 5 ways to lower your hip replacement bill
a) Compare prices across 2–3 facilities
Get a Good Faith Estimate from your surgeon’s hospital/ASC and at least one alternative. Price differences of $15,000–$25,000 for the same procedure in the same city are common.
b) Choose an ASC if you’re a candidate
If you’re healthy (BMI under 40, no major cardiac issues), an ASC can save 30–45%. Ask your surgeon: “Do you perform this at a surgery center?”
c) Audit your itemized bill
Request a line-by-line itemized statement after surgery. Common errors: duplicate implant charges, DRG 469 (with complications) when there were none, inflated supply charges. Upload to BillKarma for an instant audit.
d) Ask about the implant
Ask whether a standard implant ($5K–$8K) will perform as well as a premium one ($10K–$14K) for your specific case. Most patients do well with standard implants.
e) Apply for financial assistance
Nonprofit hospitals must offer charity care. Many cover 50–100% of costs for patients below 300–400% of the federal poverty level. Apply before surgery. See our financial assistance guide.
$51,000 bill cut to $16,800
A 67-year-old Medicare patient in Florida had a hip replacement at a for-profit hospital. The billed amount was $51,000. Medicare paid $13,200 (DRG 470). The patient owed $1,676 (Part A deductible). After reviewing the itemized bill, she found a $3,400 charge for a “custom surgical tray” and a $2,100 “recovery room” fee that were both bundled in the DRG. She disputed them, and the hospital wrote off both charges. Total out-of-pocket: $1,676.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a total hip replacement cost without insurance?
$32,000–$52,000 at most hospitals. At an ASC, costs drop to $20,000–$32,000. Uninsured patients should request the self-pay rate and apply for financial assistance before surgery.
How much does a hip replacement cost with insurance?
$3,000–$8,000 out of pocket (deductible + coinsurance up to your OOP max). Many patients hit their annual maximum with this surgery. Medicare patients pay the $1,676 Part A deductible.
Does Medicare cover hip replacement?
Yes. Medicare pays $12,000–$14,000 under DRG 470 (no complications). You owe the Part A deductible ($1,676). Medigap plans may cover the deductible. Medicare also covers hip replacement at ASCs.
How long is the hospital stay for a hip replacement?
1–2 nights for most patients. Same-day discharge is increasingly common with the anterior approach at ASCs. Each extra night adds $2,500–$5,000 to the facility charge.
Is hip replacement cheaper at a surgery center?
Yes, 30–45% cheaper ($20,000–$32,000 vs. $32,000–$52,000). CMS approved hip replacement at ASCs, and outcomes are comparable for healthy patients. Find ASCs in our directory.