Tubal Ligation Cost

• For patients not covered by health insurance, tubal ligation typically costs between $1,500 to $7,000. Usually, getting tubal implants falls at the lower end of the cost range, while surgical sterilization falls at the higher end. For example, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, a surgical sterilization would cost about $3,829 with an uninsured discount. And at Park Nicollet, a hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., the estimated total cost for surgical sterilization is $6,837.
• Tubal ligation typically is covered by most health insurance, according to Dr. Don Snyder, an Indiana gynecologist; insurance companies that typically cover tubal ligation include Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna/Sagamore and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield.
• For patients covered by insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs would consist of an office visit copay of $10 to $50 and possibly coinsurance of 10 to 30 percent, for a total cost of as much as $2,150.

• In a tubal ligation procedure, the patient usually is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then usually makes a small incision, inserts a lighted magnifying instrument called a laparoscope, and then uses surgical instruments to either cauterize the fallopian tubes or seal them with rings or clips. A tubal ligation also can be performed after a Caesarean birth, through an incision in the vagina.
• In tubal implants, often called by the brand name Essure, the doctor uses a speculum to open the cervix as in a pelvic exam, then uses a catheter, inserted through the cervix, to place an implant in each fallopian tube. Afterward, the doctor uses an X-ray to make sure the implants are properly in place. After three months, during which another form of birth control must be used, the doctor inserts dye into the uterus to make sure the fallopian tubes have been fully blocked by scar tissue.
• The Mayo Clinic offers a guide to Essure and tubal ligation.

• Sometimes pain medication will be required during recovery.

• Planned Parenthood clinics offer tubal ligations at a discount, depending on family size and income. For example, at Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma a tubal ligation typically costs between $850 and $1,200.

• Talk to your regular gynecologist about whether you are a candidate for a tubal ligation. Or, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers a doctor finder by state and Essure.com has a doctor finder by zip code. Planned Parenthood has a clinic locator by state.
• Tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of birth control. Tubal ligation reversal is available, but it costs about $5,000 to $8,000, usually is not covered by health insurance and is sometimes unsuccessful; Essure reversal is possible but experimental -- the first successful one was done in 2008. So, a woman should consider a tubal ligation or Essure only if she is 100 percent sure she does not want to have, or is done having, children.
• Minor risks of tubal ligation include infection and wound separation. Possible major complications, which are rare, include heavy bleeding, general anesthesia complications and organ injury. There is also a small risk of pregnancy after a tubal ligation, and, if pregnancy occurs, a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Risks of Essure include perforation of the fallopian tubes, vomiting, expulsion, cramping and menstrual pattern changes and possibly an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

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