Gallbladder Surgery Cost

• Gallbladder surgery typically is covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10% to 50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.
• For patients without health insurance, gallbladder surgery typically costs $10,000 -$20,000. For example, at Wright Medical Center in Iowa, open gallbladder surgery costs about $9,700, including a doctor fee of about $2,500, while laparoscopic gallbladder surgery costs about $12,600, including a doctor fee of about $3,200. At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Nebraska, laparoscopic gallbladder removal, not including doctor fees, typically costs about $8,500 -$14,000, or about $10,500 -$16,400 if a special X-ray called a cholangiogram is done during surgery. Doctor fees can add several thousand dollars to the final bill. At Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, in New Hampshire, gallbladder surgery costs about $15,700, including the doctor fee, after an uninsured discount. According to HealthCareBlueBook.com, a typical fee is about $16,500 including hospital charges and doctor fees.

• The patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen -- or, in laparoscopic surgery, several tiny incisions -- then severs the bile duct and some blood vessels, and removes the gallbladder. In some cases, an X-ray called a cholangiogram will be done to look for blockage or gallstones in the bile duct. Surgery takes about an hour and a half.
• Many patients go home from the hospital on the day of surgery, but some require a short stay, usually one day. A few days off work usually are required, and the patient can resume normal activities in four to six weeks.
• The National Institutes of Health offers overviews of open and the more common laparoscopic gallbladder-removal procedures.

• Some patients develop diarrhea after gallbladder surgery, and the doctor might recommend an anti-diarrhea medication, which typically costs less than $20 per bottle.

• Many doctors and hospitals give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System in California offers a 35% discount.

• A gastroenterologist typically will diagnose gallbladder problems and recommend surgery. A family doctor can provide a referral, or The American College of Gastroenterology offers a physician locator. Make sure the gastroenterologist is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
• For surgery, the gastroenterologist typically will refer the patient to a general surgeon. It is important to make sure the surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and has experience performing gallbladder surgery.
• Of course, it is crucial to consult with a doctor about the decision to have surgery. Also, WebMD offers a decision-making tool on whether to have gallbladder-removal surgery for gallstone attacks.

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