How Much Does Deviated Septum Surgery Cost?
Deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) costs between $3,000 and $12,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average falling around $6,500 for an uninsured patient. With insurance coverage, most patients pay between $1,000 and $3,500 out of pocket after deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. These figures are consistent with data from Fair Health and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP).
Septoplasty is one of the most common ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeries performed in the U.S., with over 260,000 procedures done annually. Because it is typically classified as a medically necessary procedure — not cosmetic — most private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid cover a significant portion of the cost when proper documentation is provided.
Your final cost depends on several key variables: whether you combine septoplasty with other procedures (like turbinate reduction or sinus surgery), the type of facility where surgery is performed, your geographic location, and your insurance plan's specific benefits.
Cost by Surgery Type
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Septoplasty | $6,500 | $3,000 – $8,500 |
| Septoplasty with Turbinate Reduction | $8,200 | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Septoplasty with Sinus Surgery (FESS) | $10,500 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Septorhinoplasty (Functional + Cosmetic) | $14,000 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Revision Septoplasty | $9,000 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
A standard septoplasty that only corrects the deviated nasal septum is the most affordable option. Combining procedures — such as adding turbinate reduction to improve airflow or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to address chronic sinusitis — increases both surgical time and total cost. Septorhinoplasty, which addresses both breathing function and nasal appearance, carries the highest price tag.
Cost by State
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $8,200 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| New York | $8,500 | $5,500 – $12,500 |
| Texas | $6,200 | $3,500 – $9,500 |
| Florida | $6,800 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Illinois | $7,000 | $4,200 – $10,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $6,500 | $3,800 – $9,800 |
| Ohio | $5,200 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Georgia | $5,500 | $3,200 – $8,500 |
| North Carolina | $5,800 | $3,400 – $8,800 |
| Arizona | $5,600 | $3,300 – $8,500 |
| Washington | $7,500 | $4,500 – $11,000 |
| Colorado | $6,800 | $4,000 – $10,200 |
Coastal and metropolitan areas — particularly New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco — consistently rank among the most expensive markets for septoplasty. Midwestern and Southern states like Ohio, Georgia, and Arizona offer the most competitive pricing, sometimes 30–40% lower than coastal cities.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $1,000 – $3,500 | Surgeon, anesthesia, facility fees after deductible and coinsurance; prior authorization usually required |
| Medicare | $800 – $2,500 | 80% of Medicare-approved amount under Part B; patient pays 20% coinsurance plus Part B deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Full coverage in most states for medically necessary septoplasty; minimal or no copay |
| No Insurance | $5,000 – $12,000 | Patient responsible for all costs; cash-pay discounts of 20–40% often available |
To qualify for insurance coverage, your ENT surgeon must document medical necessity. This typically requires evidence of nasal obstruction causing breathing difficulty, a physical exam confirming the deviation, a CT scan, and documentation that conservative treatments (nasal sprays, allergy management) have failed. Most insurers also require prior authorization before approving surgery.
If your septoplasty includes any cosmetic component — such as reshaping the external nose — insurers will only cover the functional portion. The cosmetic component will be billed separately as an out-of-pocket expense.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Anesthesia | $600 – $1,500 |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Pre-Op CT Scan | $200 – $500 |
| Pre-Op Lab Work | $100 – $300 |
| Nasal Splints/Packing | $100 – $300 |
| Post-Op Medications | $50 – $150 |
| Follow-Up Visits (2–3) | $75 – $300 |
The facility fee is often the single largest cost component and varies dramatically between hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Choosing an ASC can reduce the facility fee by 40–60% compared to a hospital setting.
Factors That Affect Cost
Geographic Location
Healthcare costs vary significantly by region. Urban centers with high costs of living — like Manhattan, San Francisco, and Boston — charge premium rates. The same procedure in a mid-sized city in the Midwest or South can cost thousands less.
Surgeon Experience and Specialization
Board-certified otolaryngologists (ENTs) and facial plastic surgeons with extensive septoplasty experience may charge higher fees. However, experienced surgeons often achieve better outcomes and lower revision rates, potentially saving money long-term.
Facility Type
Hospital-based procedures carry significantly higher facility fees than outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. Since most septoplasties are safely performed as outpatient procedures, choosing an ASC is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs.
Procedure Complexity
A straightforward septal deviation requires less surgical time than a severe deviation with bone spurs, a perforated septum, or one that requires cartilage grafting. More complex cases mean longer operating times and higher fees.
Combined Procedures
Adding turbinate reduction, sinus surgery, or cosmetic rhinoplasty increases total costs substantially. However, combining procedures can be more cost-effective than staging them separately, since you only pay one anesthesia and facility fee.
Insurance Plan Details
Your specific deductible, coinsurance percentage, and out-of-pocket maximum directly determine what you pay. A plan with a $500 deductible and 80/20 coinsurance will cost you far less than a high-deductible plan with 70/30 coverage.
How to Save Money on Deviated Septum Surgery
- Get multiple quotes: Request itemized estimates from at least 3 surgeons and facilities. Prices for the same procedure can vary by 50% or more within the same city.
- Choose an ambulatory surgery center: ASCs typically charge 40–60% less in facility fees compared to hospitals. Most septoplasties are safely performed in outpatient settings.
- Negotiate a cash-pay discount: If you're uninsured, ask for the self-pay rate. Many providers offer 20–40% discounts for upfront cash payment, as it eliminates their billing and collections costs.
- Time your surgery strategically: If you've already met your insurance deductible for the year (perhaps from other medical expenses), scheduling your septoplasty in the same calendar year maximizes your insurance benefits.
- Use HSA or FSA funds: Medically necessary septoplasty qualifies for Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account payments, effectively giving you a 25–35% tax discount depending on your tax bracket.
- Ask about bundled pricing: Some surgery centers offer all-inclusive packages that bundle surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees into one transparent price, often at a lower total cost.
- Consider traveling for surgery: If you live in a high-cost area, traveling to a nearby lower-cost market can save $2,000–$4,000 even after accounting for travel expenses.
Financing Options
| Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Surgeon Payment Plans | Many practices offer in-house installment plans with little or no interest | 3–12 months, 0% interest common |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by ENT practices and surgery centers | 6–24 months at 0% APR; 14.9–26.99% after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans with predictable monthly payments | 24–84 months; rates from 5.99% APR |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax dollars for medically necessary procedures; immediate tax savings | HSA: no expiration; FSA: use within plan year |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loans from banks or online lenders | 12–60 months; rates from 6.99% APR with good credit |
Pro Tips
Verify your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Board certification ensures your ENT has completed rigorous training specific to nasal surgery. Check credentials at aboto.org before scheduling a consultation.
Request a pre-authorization before scheduling surgery. Don't rely on your surgeon's office to confirm coverage. Call your insurance company directly, provide the CPT code (30520 for septoplasty), and get written confirmation of benefits including your estimated out-of-pocket cost.
Ask whether all providers involved are in-network. Even if your surgeon is in-network, the anesthesiologist or facility may not be. An out-of-network anesthesiologist can add $1,000+ in surprise charges. The No Surprises Act provides some protection, but it's best to confirm in advance.
Keep detailed records of your symptoms and failed treatments. Insurance companies are more likely to approve septoplasty quickly when you have a well-documented history of breathing problems, failed nasal spray treatments, and a CT scan showing the deviation. This documentation also strengthens any appeal if your initial claim is denied.