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Laparoscopy Appendectomy: What It Costs and What's Fair

CPT 44970  · Medicare rate: $578  · National avg charge: $8,411  · BillKarma data from 127 providers

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

Laparoscopy Appendectomy (CPT 44970) 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 $1,929 $578 $386 26
D $1,519 $578 $304 3
F $7,798 $578 $1,560 65
N/A $15,352 $578 $3,070 33

*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: $270 Max: $41,703
Medicare: $578 Avg: $8,411
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
127 providers
$270 — $41,703 | Avg: $8,411 (14.5x 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
Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Inland Hospital Hospital Waterville, ME C $270 $578
Medicare OPPS
 0.5x
Mercy Hospital Hospital Portland, ME N/A $545 $578
Medicare OPPS
 0.9x
AdventHealth East Orlando Hospital Orlando, FL D $647 $578
Medicare OPPS
 1.1x
CHI Health Schuyler Hospital Schuyler, NE N/A $1,219 $578
Medicare OPPS
 2.1x
CHI Health Plainview Hospital Plainview, NE N/A $1,219 $578
Medicare OPPS
 2.1x
CHI Health Missouri Valley Hospital Missouri Valley, IA N/A $1,219 $578
Medicare OPPS
 2.1x
CHI Health Mercy Corning Hospital Corning, IA N/A $1,219 $578
Medicare OPPS
 2.1x
ASCENSION MEDICAL GROUP ST. VINCENT Hospital NORTH VERNON, IN C $1,319 $578
Medicare OPPS
 2.3x
ASCENSION CALUMET HOSPITAL Hospital CHILTON, WI C $1,750 $578
Medicare OPPS
 3.0x
Brookings Health System Hospital Brookings, SD N/A $1,846 $578
Medicare OPPS
 3.2x

What Is a Fair Price for This Procedure?

Medicare pays $578 for Laparoscopy Appendectomy (CPT 44970). 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 $1,156 (2x Medicare) or less earns an A billing grade — these are the most fairly priced facilities for this procedure. The national average charge is $8,411 (14.5x Medicare).

If your bill shows more than $1,735 (3x Medicare) for this procedure, it may be worth reviewing the charges carefully. Upload your bill to check →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Laparoscopy Appendectomy cost with insurance?
With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for Laparoscopy Appendectomy (CPT 44970) depends on your deductible, coinsurance rate, and in-network status. Medicare pays $578 for this procedure; the national average hospital charge is $8,411. Under standard 20% coinsurance after deductible, a patient at an average-charging hospital would owe approximately $1,682. Always verify your benefits before scheduling.
Does where I have Laparoscopy Appendectomy done affect my recovery?
Hospital quality and surgical volume can influence outcomes for procedures like Laparoscopy Appendectomy. 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 Laparoscopy Appendectomy 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 $578 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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