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 |  | With Health Insurance: Copay + 10%-50% Coinsurance |  | Without Health Insurance: $10,000-$20,000 |
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The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile, which helps to digest fats. Surgery to remove the gallbladder, also known as cholecystectomy, typically is done for gallstones or gallbladder function problems that cause symptoms such as pain, nausea or infection. Risks of gallbladder surgery can include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, injury to other organs, and pancreatitis.
Typical costs: | - 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[1] 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[2] 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[3] , in New Hampshire, gallbladder surgery costs about $15,700, including the doctor fee, after an uninsured discount. According to HealthCareBlueBook.com[4] , a typical fee is about $16,500 including hospital charges and doctor fees.
Related articles: Anesthesia, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - 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[5] and the more common laparoscopic[6] gallbladder-removal procedures.
Additional costs: | - Some patients develop diarrhea[7] after gallbladder surgery, and the doctor might recommend an anti-diarrhea medication, which typically costs less than $20 per bottle.
Discounts: | - Many doctors and hospitals give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[8] in California offers a 35% discount.
Shopping for gallbladder surgery: | - 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[9] . Make sure the gastroenterologist is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine[10] .
- 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[11] 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[12] on whether to have gallbladder-removal surgery for gallstone attacks.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Snow Bird in the Philippines in Angeles City, Philippines, Other. | Posted: February 2nd, 2023 10:02PM |
| Medical Center: Medical City, Clark, Philippines | Type of Surgery: laparoscopic cholecystectom |
| Physician: Dr. Noelito Lacsamana |
1-29-2013 @ 3:14pm I was admitted to the Medical City Clark Hospital, Clark Freeport Zone, Philippines for preparation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgery was performed early morning 1-30-2023 with 1 attending Surgeon, 1 Anesthesiologist, 1 Cardiologist, and 3 other doctors. Total doctors fees after senior discount PHP 150,056= $2745.26
Recovery and post op treatment as admitted inpatient until Feb. 1 @10:35am. Total hospital bill after senior discount other than doctors fees PHP 85,710.57 = $ 1568.07
Grand total PHP235,766.57 paid by my credit card on 1 Feb. = $4313.33. Will submit to American Foreign Service insurance that I pay $419.74/month for. I am 70 years old retired U.S. Foreign Service. I should get all but $275 reimbursed to me. |
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| Posted by: Sezzie in Chicago, IL. | Posted: March 9th, 2022 05:03PM |
| Medical Center: Thorek Memorial Hospital | Type of Surgery: Lap Chole |
Scheduled, not emergency. Out of pocket costs after insurance ~$900.00 |
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| Posted by: Laura Gordillo in Vic, Other. | Posted: September 1st, 2021 09:09PM |
| Medical Center: Hospital in Spain | Type of Surgery: Cholecistectomy |
Went to Spain on vacation. Opted for elective gallbladder removal after gallbladder attacks in NY. Total cost for laparoscopy gallbladder removal: $4,000
That includes everything: 3 day hospital stay, MRI, lab exams, surgery, anesthesiologist, ec. |
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| Posted by: Fair Price? in Abbeville, SC. | Posted: October 14th, 2020 11:10AM |
| Medical Center: Abbeville Area Medical Center | Type of Surgery: lap cholectystectomy |
| Physician: Chris Cerraldi |
Took spouse in on Tuesday to doctor office, sent for x-ray that same day. Surgery scheduled for Thursday all during Covid 19. Husband said he was treated well. Spent one night. Home on Friday.
We have a $2500 deductible. We ended up paying $4879. |
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| Posted by: Thankful for rainy day fund in Paducah, KY. | Posted: September 3rd, 2019 01:09PM |
Total cost of my surgery without insurance including an ER visit and an overnight stay beforehand for observation due to concerns with infection in my liver and put my on antibiotics would have been $30,757.77. That includes hospital, radiology, anesthesia, physicians... everything. Paid $6,850 with insurance meetingp my max out-of-pocket.
But let’s put this in perspective. A month before, I went to the ER WITHOUT insurance. All they really did was give me painkillers and a CT w/contrast. My total bill for that? $16,086.76. Was able to talk it down to $10,000, but I got lucky. |
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| Posted by: BeanCounter in Crawfordsville, IN. | Posted: June 12th, 2018 10:06AM |
| Medical Center: Franciscan Health | Type of Surgery: Laproscopic gallbladder removal |
| Physician: Stewart |
Laproscopic gallbladder removal, non-emergency. Outpatient (left hospital 2 hours after surgery). Surgery took 1 hour on healthy 34 year old. |
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| Posted by: Jackattack in Chandler, AZ. | Posted: October 28th, 2017 07:10PM |
| Medical Center: Chandler reginal | Type of Surgery: Gallbladder removal |
Emergency gallbladder surgery two day in hospital , not a room a curtain with a bed. I had one day wait getting into surgeon schedule. Surgery was 45 min long and left AMA about 4 hours later. Bill from hospital $62,000 will give 50% discount if I pay now and 30% discount making it $42,000 for un insured. ER doc $1400 offering 20% , haven't gotten surgeon, Anesthesia or any others yet . I cant understand how this is not a set fee and how it can range so widely
It really is a sad state of affairs when you think of going to other countries to be treated fairly |
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| Posted by: hmcJKC in Durant, OK. | Posted: October 3rd, 2017 12:10PM |
| Medical Center: Alliance Health, Durant, OK | Type of Surgery: Gallbladder |
Alliance Health Durant has billed me almost $88,000 for services related to my gallbladder diagnosis and surgery. Over $61,000 for the hospital surgical charges alone. This is an exorbitant amount compared to other facilities in the area. I believe this to be totally unethical!! |
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| Posted by: Dov Vinograd in Kingston Ontario Canada, Other. | Posted: September 30th, 2017 07:09AM |
| Medical Center: Kingston General Hospital, Canada | Type of Surgery: gallbladder removal |
I had several emergency room consultations, 3 transports by ambulance to hospitals, at least 4 ultra sound procedures, extensive blood tests, antibiotics, intravenous liquid infusions, intravenous and oral pain medication (morphine),one 4night in-patient stay and finally 2 day in-patient stay for removal of gall bladder. All treatments first class. Now recuperating with no known complications. We have semi-private insurance coverage but because of high demand, was placed in 4 patient room. Psychological stress from other patients was major. Patient inches from my face, separated by thin cloth curtain retching up mouths-full of phlegm, farting in my face. I spilled my urine bottle with contents and fecal matter during night after surgery onto my lap. When discovered, sheets and gown were changed but I was not cleaned. Bathroom floor blood stained for entirety of my stay. |
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| Posted by: Mad & Upset in Columbus, OH. | Posted: August 24th, 2017 05:08AM |
| Medical Center: Mt. Carmel East | Type of Surgery: Gallbladder removal |
| Physician: dr. on call |
Husband had been having off and on pain in abdomen, went to family dr., got CR scan done and they knew it was gallbladder, but not how bad. Said if it gets worse to head to ER. We did that night. They were amazed he was alive due to the infection in his blood from the gall stones blocking the duct.
Had surgery next day to remove stones.
Surgery day after that to remove gallbladder.
Hospital alone cost over $33,000.
Anesthesia totals over $2,000
And that does include dr., Rx, the family dr. visits, the CT scan and that hospital bill, etc.
Total rip off on insurance as I got something a few years ago we could afford - big mistake. Turns out insurance didn't cover hospital stays unless you upgraded. Like someone is going to remember that when you are sitting in the ER!
What do you do when you can't pay all this? I have limited income and husband stays home to work around house. |
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| Posted by: MikeMar in Tampa, FL. | Posted: May 7th, 2017 02:05AM |
| Physician: St. Joesph\'s Hospital Tampa, Fl. |
Went to the ER for severe pain under right rib. The hospital did CT Scan, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Blood Work. I was told it was Diverticulitis and sent home in pain. I immediately found a specialist that diagnosed me and confirmed it was my gallbladder. The visit to the 1st hospital that sent me home in pain was $16,000 dollars. I will post the cost of my gallbladder removal after my surgery this week. |
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| Posted by: a user in CLEVELAND, OH. | Posted: December 5th, 2016 01:12PM |
| Medical Center: University Hospital | Type of Surgery: |
I was transferred from another location due to possible problems with removal. Spent 2 days at local hospital ( charged 19957.26 there) Then transferred to Cleveland for surgery. Worst pain I ever experienced. |
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| Posted by: RochelleSC in Plano, TX. | Posted: November 19th, 2016 10:11AM |
| Physician: Star Medical Center |
In and out in 90 minutes, basic lap-cholecystectomy at surgical center co-owned by surgeon I was sent to my family physician. Just opened bill from Aetna that has already gone through a first level appeals process. I was billed $700 at the time of surgery (five monthly payments including one paid that morning) as my portion of bill and was told it was out-of-network at the time. Am just sitting here in shock at the amount of $79,731.82 on the paper in front of me. I paid the surgeon AT his office for services at my follow-up visit a week later. Aetna states they've paid 50% but will pay no more. I now owe almost a full year's salary to this place?!? Speechless. |
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| Posted by: recovering in denver in Denver, CO. | Posted: September 2nd, 2016 11:09AM |
| Medical Center: Porter | Type of Surgery: Cholecystectomy |
| Physician: DeLine |
I waited until it was an emergency and paid the price: $90,000. in the hospital for 8 days due to complications stemming from the gallbladder "exploding" / going septic, fulling my intestines and failure of the lungs during surgery. Morale" go to your doctor NOW if you have symptoms. Dr. DeLine @ Porter in Denver, CO was a life saver, literally. |
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| Posted by: Reagtay in worley, ID. | Posted: January 14th, 2016 09:01AM |
| Physician: NW Specialty Hospital Post Falls |
I have been referred for gallbladder surgery. I don't have insurance so I have all the costs up front. It will be $6700 if it takes 2 hours, if less time then the anesthesia portion will go down. This doesnt include the $349 I have already paid the primary visit, ultrasound and specialist consult. I will need $2800 down before surgery and will pay monthly on the rest. I had insurance last year the premiums were over $300 and NOTHING paid before the $10,000 deductible. This procedure would have been WAY more expensive with "affordable" healthcare. All out of pocket and no cash discounts!year is 2016 but it wouldn't let me put it in |
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| Posted by: a user in Springdale, AR. | Posted: April 20th, 2015 01:04PM |
| Medical Center: NWA Medical Hospital Springdale, AR | Type of Surgery: laproscopic cholecyestomy |
Great surgeon, great ER doctor. It was an ER visit in the morning with surgery that afternoon, no complications and I believe I was discharged the next day. The amount of 44,910 doesn't include anesthesia or surgical center costs. I was shocked to see the bill considering just a couple of years ago my daughter had her appendix remove via emergency room visit and it was only 19,000. |
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| Posted by: WPT in Manchester, CT. | Posted: April 9th, 2015 11:04AM |
| Medical Center: Manchester Memorial Hospital, CT | Type of Surgery: Gallbladder |
Even with insurance it still cost me over $3000. Asked for itemized bill, which included disposable scissors for $290. and a $52.00 blanket. It is ridiculous! |
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| Posted by: Ronald Gorman in Florence, SC. | Posted: December 5th, 2013 12:12PM |
| Medical Center: Carolinas Hospital | Type of Surgery: Gall Bladder lapo |
| Physician: Dr Lee |
That ($65,272.58) was the total amount billed after discounts. Before discounts it was over $98K. Wife's surgery with no insurance because couldn't afford outrageous premiums due to preexisting condition. Hospital would negotiate no further. Sent it to collection company in less than 75 days in spite of two payments being paid. My son refers to it as "criminal" activity. |
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| Posted by: a user in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: November 23rd, 2013 09:11PM |
I had the worse experience in this hospital. The first day I got there, they took me in quickly because the abdominal pain I had was serious. It took them about 5 days to finally get me the surgery I needed to get done. My parents are broke, my dad is getting paid by social security. None of my family members make that much money. I have absolutely no idea how we'll be able to pay it off. |
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| Posted by: mary8811 in Temecula, CA. | Posted: June 22nd, 2013 08:06PM |
| Medical Center: Rancho Springs Medica Center | Type of Surgery: none yet |
| Physician: N/A |
I went in because I had pains and they didn't do anything but diagnose me with gallstones... and they sent me off. typical x ray and blood work. They gave me some strong pain medication that did the job three hours later. a week went by and they sent me bills of 500, 1000, 129, 3000... and more are still coming. Thank god for Emergency medical... I rather pay a couple of hundred dollar bills than thousands....I am still waiting on my appointment with the surgeon which can take up to 6 months... >:@ |
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| Posted by: douglas rogers in north kansas city, MO. | Posted: October 26th, 2012 10:10AM |
| Medical Center: nkc hospital | Type of Surgery: laproscopic cholecyestomy |
| Physician: gengler |
Stayed 2 extra days because of elevated liver lipids. Went to local clinic with protracted flulike symptoms, then to closest emergency room where diagnosed iflamed gall bladder. One week of acetaminophen-hydrocodone, amoxicillin-clavulanate. Asssisted walking in 1 day. Abdominal soreness, diarheia, low food tolerance for 1-2 weeks. Bathroom 2x/nite. |
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| Posted by: Seriously shocked in Missouri in Springfield, MO. | Posted: March 26th, 2012 12:03PM |
| Medical Center: Mercy Hospital-Springfield, MO | Type of Surgery: gall bladder |
Totally shocked when I opened my daughters bills for her ER visit and outpatient hospital bill for her gallbladder surgery from a month and a half ago - totalling approximately $33000 for outpatient! She wasn't even admitted! If I didn't know it before, I do now......I am definately in the wrong field. Talk about highway robbery! OMG |
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| Posted by: Belin in Bullhead City, AZ. | Posted: March 5th, 2012 09:03AM |
| Medical Center: Western Arizona Regional Medical Center | Type of Surgery: Gallbladder |
My wife had gallbladder surgery a month ago. Our bill came to $ 54,744.02. They discounted $ 13,561.02. She went into the ER at 23:00 on Sunday, had surgery at 16:00 hours on Monday, and discharged at 14:00 Tuesday. No complications, no diet, no restrictions, etc... And wait it is not over yet. In the following weeks we received additional bills. The first for $1235.00, the second for $808.00, the third for 794.00, the fourth for $310,the fifth bill for $220.00. A total of $58,111.02 (-13,561.02. My wife said that there is another bill of $2000 floating around but I can't find it. I am not going to include it for now). I retired last August. We both have no insurance because it cost too much for the both of us. I am not on Medicare yet. No criminal record. Excellent credit, always paid bills and now I don't know what will happen. I have a small retirement and social security. I wonder if I can get a bail out from my Uncle Sam that I served him so faithfully in the past. When I researched how much would have cost the surgery that figures given was between $6000-17000. It did not look too bad. But when I opened the mail and saw the total I thought I was going to have a cardiac arrest. Good thing I didn't or it would have probably cost me at least $250,000.02. Thank you for letting me share this info with you. |
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| Posted by: 201147 in bakersfield, CA. | Posted: July 20th, 2011 01:07PM |
| Medical Center: San Joaquin Hospital | Type of Surgery: Gallbladder |
I got my gallbladder surgery a month ago. It cost me only 3,470.00 us dls. including everythin, surgeon, assistant, anesthesia, pathology and hospital of course. No more bills. Just that 3,470 dls. I didn't have medical insurance and I went through Cirugia Sin Fronteras wich means Surgery without borders in english. This program is in Bakersfield, CA. |
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External Resources: | - www.iowaspecialtyhospital.com/index.php?option=com_costestimator&Itemid=189
- tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
- patients.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/billing_questions/out_of_pocket_estimator_dhmc.ht...
- www.healthcarebluebook.com/page_Results.aspx?id=75&dataset=MD
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002930.htm
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007371.htm
- www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallbladder-removal/AN00067
- www.whhs.com/about/washington-hospital-discount-policy-for-uninsured/
- patients.gi.org/find-a-gastroenterologist/
- www.abim.org/online/contact.aspx
- home.absurgery.org/app.jsp?type=vc&id=27
- www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/should-i-have-surgery-to-treat-gallstone-attacks
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