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Abscess Drainage: What It Costs and What's Fair

CPT 10060  · Medicare rate: $101  · National avg charge: $946  · BillKarma data from 572 providers

Reviewed 2026-04-04  · Pricing data year: 2026

Abscess Drainage (CPT 10060) is a surgical procedure typically performed in a hospital or accredited outpatient surgical center. It is usually recommended after more conservative treatments—such as medication or physical therapy—have not resolved the underlying problem. Recovery time ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on patient health and procedure complexity.

Cost by Billing Grade

Grade Avg Hospital Charge Medicare Rate Est. Patient Cost* Hospitals
C $471 $101 $94 27
D $526 $101 $105 3
F $1,137 $101 $227 61
N/A $951 $101 $190 481

*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible is met. Actual cost depends on your specific plan, deductible status, and network.

Cost Range Across Hospitals

Min: $27 Max: $4,605
Medicare: $101 Avg: $946
Grade A (≤2x Medicare) Grade B (2–3x) Grade C (3–5x) Grade D/F (5x+)

What This Procedure Typically Costs by Facility Type

Hospital
572 providers
$27 — $4,605 | Avg: $946 (9.4x Medicare)

Find Providers Near You for This Procedure

Showing 10 lowest-markup providers nationally across hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging centers. Enter ZIP code to compare local providers side by side.

Provider Type Location Grade Charge Benchmark Markup
WellSpan York Hospital Hospital York, PA N/A $27 $101
Medicare OPPS
 0.3x
DELL SETON MEDICAL CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS Hospital AUSTIN, TX N/A $50 $101
Medicare OPPS
 0.5x
Tomah Memorial Hospital Hospital Tomah, WI N/A $58 $101
Medicare OPPS
 0.6x
Steele Memorial Medical Center Hospital Salmon, ID N/A $65 $101
Medicare OPPS
 0.6x
Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital Hospital Blue Hill, ME N/A $73 $101
Medicare OPPS
 0.7x
Carson Valley Medical Center Hospital Gardnerville, NV N/A $88 $101
Medicare OPPS
 0.9x
ST. JOHN MACOMB OAKLAND HOSPITAL-WARREN CAMPUS Hospital WARREN, MI F $98 $101
Medicare OPPS
 1.0x
ST. JOHN PROVIDENCE Hospital WARREN, MI F $98 $101
Medicare OPPS
 1.0x
PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTERS Hospital SOUTHFIELD, MI N/A $98 $101
Medicare OPPS
 1.0x
Carroll Hospital Center Hospital Westminster, MD N/A $98 $101
Medicare OPPS
 1.0x

What Is a Fair Price for This Procedure?

Medicare pays $101 for Abscess Drainage (CPT 10060). This rate is set by CMS based on the actual cost of delivering the procedure, including physician time, overhead, and equipment. It's the most reliable national benchmark for what the procedure is worth.

A hospital charging $201 (2x Medicare) or less earns an A billing grade — these are the most fairly priced facilities for this procedure. The national average charge is $946 (9.4x Medicare).

If your bill shows more than $302 (3x Medicare) for this procedure, it may be worth reviewing the charges carefully. Upload your bill to check →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Abscess Drainage cost with insurance?
With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for Abscess Drainage (CPT 10060) depends on your deductible, coinsurance rate, and in-network status. Medicare pays $101 for this procedure; the national average hospital charge is $946. Under standard 20% coinsurance after deductible, a patient at an average-charging hospital would owe approximately $189. Always verify your benefits before scheduling.
Does where I have Abscess Drainage done affect my recovery?
Hospital quality and surgical volume can influence outcomes for procedures like Abscess Drainage. High-volume centers tend to have lower complication rates for complex surgeries. However, billing grade is separate from quality ratings—some highly graded billing hospitals also have strong clinical outcomes. Review both the BillKarma billing grade and CMS quality stars when choosing a facility.
How do I negotiate the cost of Abscess Drainage if I'm on a high-deductible plan?
If you're paying a significant portion out-of-pocket, ask the hospital for their cash price before scheduling. Many hospitals offer 10–40% discounts for self-pay patients. Medicare pays $101 for this procedure—use that as your negotiating anchor. Also ask the billing department about payment plans or charity care if the cost poses a financial hardship.

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