How Much Does Carpal Tunnel Surgery Cost?
Carpal tunnel surgery costs between $2,000 and $15,000 in the United States in 2026, with the average patient paying approximately $5,500 to $7,500 without insurance. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost databases, the wide price range depends on the surgical technique used, the type of facility, geographic location, and your insurance coverage.
Carpal tunnel release is one of the most commonly performed hand surgeries in the U.S., with over 500,000 procedures done annually. The surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve, alleviating symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
The good news is that carpal tunnel surgery is almost always covered by insurance when conservative treatments have failed. Most insured patients pay between $500 and $3,500 out of pocket, depending on their plan's deductible and coinsurance structure.
Cost by Surgery Type
There are several approaches to carpal tunnel release surgery, each with different cost profiles. The technique your surgeon recommends will depend on the severity of your condition, your anatomy, and their training and experience.
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carpal Tunnel Release | $5,200 | $2,000 – $9,000 |
| Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release | $7,400 | $3,500 – $12,000 |
| Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release | $5,800 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Revision Carpal Tunnel Surgery | $9,500 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Bilateral (Both Hands, Staged) | $10,500 | $4,000 – $20,000 |
Open release is the traditional and most affordable technique, using a single incision in the palm. Endoscopic release uses one or two small incisions with a camera-guided approach, offering potentially faster recovery but at a higher cost due to specialized equipment. Revision surgery is the most expensive because it involves working through scar tissue from a previous procedure.
Cost by State
Geographic location significantly impacts carpal tunnel surgery pricing. Costs tend to be highest in metropolitan areas on the coasts and lowest in the South and Midwest. The following table reflects average total costs for uninsured patients undergoing standard open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $8,200 | $4,500 – $14,000 |
| New York | $8,800 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Texas | $5,800 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Florida | $6,200 | $3,200 – $11,000 |
| Illinois | $7,100 | $3,800 – $12,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $6,500 | $3,500 – $11,500 |
| Ohio | $5,100 | $2,500 – $9,000 |
| Georgia | $5,400 | $2,800 – $9,500 |
| North Carolina | $5,300 | $2,700 – $9,200 |
| Arizona | $6,000 | $3,000 – $10,500 |
| Colorado | $6,400 | $3,300 – $11,000 |
| Michigan | $5,500 | $2,800 – $9,500 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance Costs
Your insurance status is the single biggest factor determining what you'll actually pay for carpal tunnel surgery. Here's how costs break down by coverage type:
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $500 – $3,500 | Surgery, anesthesia, facility fees after deductible and coinsurance; pre-authorization and documented conservative treatment failure usually required |
| Medicare | $300 – $1,200 | 80% of approved amount covered after Part B deductible; Medigap may cover remaining 20% |
| Medicaid | $0 – $200 | Full coverage in most states when medically necessary; minimal or no copay required |
| No Insurance | $4,000 – $15,000 | Patient responsible for all costs; many providers offer cash-pay discounts of 20–40% |
| Workers' Compensation | $0 | Fully covered if carpal tunnel is determined to be work-related; employer's insurance pays all costs |
Most insurance companies require medical necessity documentation before approving carpal tunnel surgery. This typically includes evidence of failed conservative treatment (splinting, injections, physical therapy) for 6 to 12 weeks, along with a positive nerve conduction study (NCS/EMG) confirming median nerve compression.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
Understanding what makes up the total price helps you compare quotes accurately and identify potential savings. Here's a typical cost breakdown for carpal tunnel surgery:
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $1,500 – $4,500 | 30 – 40% |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $1,200 – $6,000 | 30 – 45% |
| Anesthesia Fee | $400 – $2,000 | 10 – 15% |
| Pre-Op Nerve Conduction Study | $200 – $800 | 5 – 8% |
| Post-Op Visits (2-3 visits) | $200 – $600 | 3 – 5% |
| Wrist Splint/Bandaging | $25 – $75 | ~1% |
| Hand Therapy (if needed, 4-8 sessions) | $300 – $1,600 | 5 – 10% |
When requesting quotes, always ask whether the price is a global fee (all-inclusive) or if surgeon, facility, and anesthesia are billed separately. Ambulatory surgery centers are more likely to offer bundled pricing.
Factors That Affect Carpal Tunnel Surgery Cost
Geographic Location
Surgery in New York City or San Francisco can cost 50% to 100% more than the same procedure in smaller cities in Ohio or Georgia. Cost of living, local competition, and regional reimbursement rates all play a role.
Facility Type
Hospital outpatient departments charge significantly more than ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Facility fees at a hospital can be $3,000 to $8,000, compared to $1,200 to $3,000 at an ASC. Since carpal tunnel release is a short outpatient procedure, an ASC is appropriate for most patients.
Anesthesia Type
Carpal tunnel surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, regional nerve block, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with or without light sedation is the most cost-effective option, saving $500 to $1,500 compared to general anesthesia. Many surgeons now use the "wide-awake" technique with local anesthetic only.
Surgical Technique
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release requires specialized disposable instruments that add $800 to $2,000 to the equipment cost. Open release uses standard surgical instruments and is generally less expensive.
Surgeon Specialization and Experience
A fellowship-trained hand surgeon may charge more than a general orthopedic surgeon, but their specialized expertise can lead to better outcomes and fewer complications. Board-certified hand surgeons typically charge $2,000 to $4,500 for their fee alone.
Severity and Complexity
Severe carpal tunnel syndrome, revision surgery, or cases requiring additional procedures like tendon repair or synovectomy will cost more. Revision cases can be 50% to 100% more expensive than primary surgery.
How to Save Money on Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC): ASC facility fees are typically 40% to 60% lower than hospital outpatient departments. Ask your surgeon if they operate at an ASC and request that facility specifically.
- Request Local Anesthesia: Opting for local anesthesia or a wide-awake technique instead of general anesthesia can save $500 to $1,500 and eliminates the separate anesthesiologist fee in many cases.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least three surgeons and request itemized quotes. Prices can vary by 50% or more within the same city for the identical procedure.
- Ask for Cash-Pay Discounts: Many providers offer 20% to 40% discounts for self-pay patients who pay upfront. Always ask — most facilities have an uninsured discount policy even if it's not advertised.
- Use an HSA or FSA: If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can pay for carpal tunnel surgery with pre-tax dollars, effectively saving 20% to 35% depending on your tax bracket.
- Consider Open Release: Unless your surgeon specifically recommends endoscopic technique for your case, open carpal tunnel release has comparable long-term outcomes at a lower cost. Discuss both options honestly with your surgeon.
- Negotiate Post-Op Therapy: Ask your surgeon if a home exercise program can substitute for some formal hand therapy sessions. Many patients do well with 2 to 3 supervised sessions followed by a home program, rather than 8 to 10 clinic visits.
Financing Options for Carpal Tunnel Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Payment Plans | Many surgeon offices and ASCs offer in-house payment plans with no interest | 3 to 12 months, no credit check at some facilities |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by surgeons and surgery centers | 0% APR for 6, 12, or 24 months on qualifying purchases; 26.99% variable APR after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans with no prepayment penalties | Loans from $2,000 to $35,000; terms of 24 to 84 months; rates from 5.99% APR |
| HSA / FSA | Pre-tax funds for qualified medical expenses including surgery, copays, and therapy | Tax savings of 20–35%; FSA funds must be used within plan year |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured personal loans from banks or online lenders | Rates from 6% to 20% APR; terms of 12 to 60 months depending on credit score |
Pro Tips from Healthcare Experts
Verify your surgeon's credentials carefully. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Hand Surgery. Fellowship-trained hand surgeons perform hundreds of carpal tunnel releases and have the lowest complication rates.
Always get a nerve conduction study before surgery. A pre-operative NCS/EMG not only confirms the diagnosis but establishes a baseline for measuring improvement. It also strengthens your insurance authorization. Some insurers will deny coverage without this objective test, costing you an appeal or the full surgery price.
Request an itemized estimate in writing. Before scheduling, ask for a written quote that includes the surgeon's fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and any implant or equipment charges. Compare these line items across providers — sometimes one facility has a low surgeon fee but an inflated facility charge.
Don't delay surgery to save money if symptoms are severe. Prolonged median nerve compression can lead to permanent muscle wasting (thenar atrophy) and irreversible numbness. If you have constant numbness, hand weakness, or muscle wasting, the cost of waiting far exceeds the cost of surgery. Explore financing options and get the procedure done promptly.