How Much Does Gallbladder Surgery Cost in 2026?
Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) costs between $5,000 and $50,000 in the United States, with the average patient paying $12,000 to $20,000 without insurance for a standard laparoscopic procedure. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost estimates, the wide price range reflects differences in surgical approach, geographic location, facility type, and whether the procedure is performed on an emergency or elective basis.
With health insurance, most patients pay $1,000 to $5,000 out of pocket after deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries in the U.S., with approximately 700,000 cholecystectomies performed annually, making it a well-established procedure with predictable pricing at most facilities.
The most significant cost factor is whether the surgery is performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive) or as an open procedure. Emergency gallbladder surgeries also carry substantially higher costs due to ER fees, urgent surgical scheduling, and longer hospital stays.
Cost by Surgery Type
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Outpatient) | $10,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Inpatient) | $18,000 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Robotic-Assisted Cholecystectomy | $22,000 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy | $14,000 | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Open Cholecystectomy | $25,000 | $18,000 – $50,000 |
| Emergency Cholecystectomy | $30,000 | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
Approximately 92% of gallbladder removals are performed laparoscopically. However, about 5–10% of laparoscopic cases convert to open surgery during the procedure due to complications such as severe inflammation or unclear anatomy, which can significantly increase the final cost.
Cost by State
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $22,000 | $12,000 – $45,000 |
| New York | $24,000 | $14,000 – $48,000 |
| Texas | $14,000 | $7,000 – $28,000 |
| Florida | $13,500 | $6,500 – $26,000 |
| Illinois | $17,000 | $9,000 – $32,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $16,500 | $9,500 – $30,000 |
| Ohio | $13,000 | $7,500 – $24,000 |
| Georgia | $13,500 | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| North Carolina | $14,000 | $8,000 – $26,000 |
| Arizona | $15,000 | $8,500 – $28,000 |
| Colorado | $16,000 | $9,000 – $30,000 |
| Washington | $18,500 | $10,000 – $34,000 |
States with higher costs of living—particularly New York, California, and Massachusetts—consistently show the highest surgical prices. Rural hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers in the South and Midwest tend to offer the most competitive rates.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $1,500 – $5,000 | Surgery, anesthesia, facility, and follow-up after deductible/copay; must meet medical necessity criteria |
| Medicare | $1,500 – $4,000 | Part A covers hospital stay; Part B covers surgeon/anesthesia fees at 80% after deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Full coverage in most states for medically necessary cholecystectomy; minimal or no copay |
| Without Insurance | $10,000 – $30,000+ | Full cost responsibility; self-pay discounts of 20–40% often available upon request |
Gallbladder surgery is almost always covered by insurance when medically necessary. Qualifying conditions include symptomatic gallstones (cholelithiasis), acute or chronic cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, and biliary dyskinesia with an ejection fraction below 35% on a HIDA scan. Pre-authorization is typically required by most insurers.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
The total cost of gallbladder surgery is made up of several distinct charges that are often billed separately:
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $2,000 – $5,500 |
| Anesthesia Fee | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Facility/Hospital Fee | $4,000 – $20,000 |
| Pre-Operative Tests (bloodwork, imaging) | $200 – $1,500 |
| Pathology (tissue analysis) | $200 – $800 |
| Post-Operative Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Follow-Up Visits (1–2 appointments) | $100 – $600 |
The facility fee is the largest variable. Hospital-based procedures can charge facility fees 2–3 times higher than ambulatory surgery centers. Always request an itemized estimate that includes all components before scheduling your surgery.
Factors That Affect Gallbladder Surgery Cost
Geographic Location
Urban hospitals in high-cost-of-living areas charge significantly more than rural or suburban facilities. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Manhattan can cost 3 to 4 times more than the same procedure at an ambulatory center in rural Texas.
Surgical Approach
Laparoscopic surgery is less expensive than open surgery due to shorter operating times and faster recovery. Robotic-assisted procedures add $3,000 to $8,000 in equipment and technology fees. Conversion from laparoscopic to open during surgery also increases costs substantially.
Emergency vs. Elective Surgery
Emergency gallbladder removal costs 40–100% more than a scheduled elective procedure. ER admission fees, urgent OR scheduling, and extended hospital stays all contribute to the higher price tag.
Facility Type
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) typically charge 40–60% less than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedure. If you're a candidate for outpatient surgery, an ASC can save thousands of dollars.
Complications and Hospital Stay
An uncomplicated outpatient procedure costs far less than one requiring an overnight stay or extended hospitalization. Complications such as bile duct injury, bleeding, or infection can add $10,000 to $30,000+ to the total bill.
Surgeon Experience and Specialization
Highly experienced surgeons or those affiliated with academic medical centers may charge higher fees. However, their expertise often reduces complication rates and conversion to open surgery, potentially saving money in the long run.
How to Save Money on Gallbladder Surgery
- Get multiple quotes from different facilities. Prices can vary by $10,000 or more for the same procedure within the same city. Request all-inclusive estimates from at least three providers, including ambulatory surgery centers.
- Choose an outpatient ambulatory surgery center. If your surgeon confirms you're a candidate, having the procedure at an ASC instead of a hospital can cut your total cost by 40–60%.
- Ask about self-pay discounts. Most hospitals offer 20–40% discounts for uninsured patients who pay upfront or agree to a payment plan. Some facilities offer even deeper discounts if you pay in full before the surgery date.
- Negotiate the bill. Hospital bills are often negotiable, especially for uninsured patients. Request an itemized bill, dispute any errors, and ask the billing department about financial hardship programs or charity care.
- Schedule electively when possible. If your condition allows, scheduling the surgery electively rather than waiting for an emergency can save $10,000–$20,000. Discuss timing with your gastroenterologist or surgeon.
- Use in-network providers exclusively. Verify that your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and facility are all in-network before your procedure. A single out-of-network provider can add thousands in unexpected charges.
- Maximize your insurance benefits. If you've already met your annual deductible, scheduling surgery before year-end can minimize out-of-pocket costs. Consider timing relative to your plan's deductible reset date.
Financing Options for Gallbladder Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Payment Plans | Interest-free monthly installments offered by most hospitals and surgery centers | 0% interest for 6–24 months; $200–$800/month |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by surgeons and facilities | 0% APR for 6–24 months; 26.99% APR after promotional period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Personal medical loans with fixed monthly payments | $2,000–$100,000; terms of 24–84 months; APR from 5.99% |
| HSA / FSA | Pre-tax health savings used for qualified medical expenses | Saves 20–35% by using pre-tax dollars; no interest |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loan from bank or online lender | APR from 6%–36%; terms of 12–60 months |
| Hospital Financial Assistance / Charity Care | Reduced or free care for patients meeting income guidelines | Typically for households earning below 200–400% of federal poverty level |
Pro Tips from Healthcare Experts
Request a "bundled" or "global" price quote. Many surgery centers offer all-inclusive pricing that covers the surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and basic follow-up in one flat fee. This eliminates surprise bills and makes cost comparison much easier. Always confirm in writing what's included.
Don't ignore the pathology bill. After your gallbladder is removed, it's sent to a pathologist for analysis. This fee ($200–$800) is almost always billed separately and often catches patients off guard. Ask your surgeon's office which pathology group they use and confirm it's in your insurance network.
Check if your anesthesiologist is in-network. Even at an in-network hospital with an in-network surgeon, the anesthesiologist may be out-of-network. Thanks to the No Surprises Act (effective since 2022), you're protected from most surprise out-of-network bills at in-network facilities—but it's still wise to verify beforehand.
Consider timing your surgery strategically. If you've already met your annual deductible from other medical expenses, scheduling your cholecystectomy before December 31 can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Conversely, if you're early in the year and haven't met your deductible, you'll bear more of the cost upfront.