Hospital Price Comparison:
Same Procedure, 500% Price Difference
Compare prices from 6,000+ hospitals. Find quality care at fair prices. Hospital charges vary wildly for the exact same procedure.
6,000+
Hospitals Reporting
500%+
Price Variation
$15K+
Potential Savings
444K
Pricing Data Points
Hospital Price Ranges by Procedure
See the dramatic price differences hospitals charge for common procedures.
| Procedure | Lowest | Average | Highest | Medicare Rate | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Replacement | $12,000 | $32,000 | $75,000 | $15,500 | 6.25x |
| Knee Replacement | $10,000 | $28,000 | $65,000 | $13,200 | 6.5x |
| MRI (Brain) | $300 | $1,500 | $4,000 | $450 | 13.33x |
| CT Scan (Chest) | $150 | $800 | $2,500 | $220 | 16.67x |
| Colonoscopy | $800 | $2,200 | $4,500 | $950 | 5.63x |
| C-Section | $8,000 | $18,000 | $45,000 | $9,500 | 5.63x |
| Appendectomy | $6,000 | $15,000 | $35,000 | $8,200 | 5.83x |
| Cataract Surgery | $2,500 | $5,500 | $12,000 | $3,100 | 4.8x |
Data from CMS Hospital Price Transparency files. Actual prices vary by location and facility.
Hospital Types & Pricing Levels
Where you go matters as much as what procedure you need.
Academic Medical Centers
Teaching hospitals with research programs
150-300% of Medicare
Pros:
- Complex case expertise
- Latest technology
- 24/7 specialists
Cons:
- Most expensive
- Long waits
- Teaching hospital variability
Large Health Systems
Regional hospital networks (HCA, Tenet, etc.)
120-250% of Medicare
Pros:
- Consistent quality
- Wide network
- Many locations
Cons:
- High prices
- Corporate overhead
- Less negotiation flexibility
Community Hospitals
Local nonprofit hospitals
100-180% of Medicare
Pros:
- Lower prices
- Personal care
- Community focused
Cons:
- Limited services
- May lack specialists
- Smaller facilities
Surgery Centers (ASC)
Outpatient ambulatory surgery centers
50-100% of Medicare
Pros:
- Lowest prices
- Efficient
- Specialized
Cons:
- Outpatient only
- No emergency backup
- Limited procedures
How to Compare Hospital Prices Effectively
Compare Apples to Apples
Make sure you are comparing the same CPT code across hospitals. A "knee MRI" at one hospital might include different services than another.
Include All Fees
Hospital quotes often exclude physician fees, anesthesia, pathology, and facility charges. Always ask for the "all-in" price.
Check Quality Too
The cheapest option is not always the best. Compare CMS star ratings, complication rates, and patient reviews alongside prices.
Use Medicare as Benchmark
Medicare rates are a fair price baseline. If a hospital charges more than 150% of Medicare, you have negotiating leverage.
Hospital Price Comparison FAQs
Find Hospital Prices Near You
Compare prices from 6,000+ hospitals. Same procedure, dramatically different prices.