The State of Self-Pay Healthcare Pricing in America (2026)
U.S. medical procedures have no single price. The same MRI can cost $400 at a freestanding center or $3,500 at a hospital a few miles apart, and hospital sticker prices run 2-10× higher than negotiated rates. As roughly 17 million more Americans lose coverage in 2026, self-pay price transparency has shifted from a convenience to a financial necessity. This report compiles national cash-price benchmarks from primary sources, with every figure cited.
Key findings
Hospital prices for identical imaging run 3 to 8 times higher than freestanding centers, driven almost entirely by facility fees. A 2023 RAND study found commercial MRI averaged $1,420 at hospitals vs. $440 at independent imaging centers for comparable scans.
Source: RAND Corporation, "Prices Paid to Hospitals by Private Health Plans," 2023
Hospital chargemaster (sticker) prices are 2 to 10 times higher than what insurers actually pay and 4 to 8 times higher than Medicare reimbursement. Self-pay patients are billed at these rates by default unless they request the legally-required discounted cash price.
Source: Health Affairs, 2022; CMS Hospital Price Transparency Final Rule (45 CFR 180)
About 17 million more Americans are projected to become uninsured by the combined effect of Medicaid changes under the 2025 budget law and the expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits — pushing millions into the self-pay market for the first time.
Source: KFF analysis, 2026 (CBO + Urban Institute estimates)
Self-pay patients can frequently negotiate 30-50% off chargemaster prices by requesting the "prompt-pay" or "cash" rate before scheduling, and medical debt in collections is routinely settled for 30-50% of the balance.
Source: CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2023
43% of U.S. adults — and 53% of adults carrying health care debt — say they have received a medical or dental bill they believed was erroneous. Overcharges, duplicate charges, and miscoded services are common, and patients have the legal right to an itemized bill and to dispute it.
Source: KFF Health Care Debt Survey, 2022; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The 2026 coverage cliff
Two federal changes converge in 2026. The 2025 budget reconciliation law reduces Medicaid funding by roughly $625 billion over ten years, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will end Medicaid coverage for about 7.8 million people. Separately, the enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired January 1, 2026, which the Urban Institute projects will cause 7.3 million to lose marketplace coverage (about 4.8 million becoming uninsured), with premiums rising an average 114% (≈$1,016/year) for those who keep it.
Combined, KFF projects about 17 million more uninsured Americans. These patients enter a market where, until recently, prices were effectively hidden. The tools to shop that market now exist — the gap is awareness and access.
Sources: Congressional Budget Office, 2025; KFF, 2026; Urban Institute, 2025; Commonwealth Fund, 2025; American Medical Association, 2025.
Flagship price comparison: cash vs. hospital
Cash / independent-facility prices versus hospital outpatient prices for eight of the most-searched shoppable services. Ranges are national; local prices vary by ZIP code and negotiation. For the full 201-procedure database with national low/median/high ranges and Medicare benchmarks, see the price index below.
| Service | Cash / independent | Hospital | National median | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI (single scan) | $400-$700 (freestanding) | $1,500-$3,500 (hospital OPD) | $1,325 | FAIR Health Consumer Cost Lookup, 2024 |
| CT scan | $300-$1,500 (freestanding) | $1,500-$5,000 (hospital OPD) | $815 | FAIR Health Consumer Cost Lookup, 2024 |
| Colonoscopy (screening) | $1,250-$2,800 (ASC) | $3,000-$4,800 (hospital OPD) | $2,750 | FAIR Health Consumer Cost Lookup, 2024 |
| ER visit | $623 (low-acuity) | $3,102 (high-acuity) | $1,389 | Health Care Cost Institute, 2023 |
| Urgent care visit | $89-$139 (retail clinic) | $150-$250 (chain urgent care) | $165 | Urgent Care Association Industry Report, 2024 |
| Primary care visit | $60-$150/mo (Direct Primary Care) | $150-$300 (standard new-patient) | $171 | Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (AHRQ), 2023 |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | $10-$30 (direct-to-consumer) | $150-$300 (hospital lab) | $29 | Quest Diagnostics / Walmart Health list pricing, 2024 |
| Dental implant (complete) | $1,500-$2,500 (dental school) | $3,500-$4,500 (private practice) | $4,000 | ADA Health Policy Institute fee data, 2024 |
Compare live prices for these and 19,000+ procedures at fairvisithealth.com/costs.
The national procedure price index (201 procedures)
National low, median, and high cash-price ranges for 201 common procedures across imaging, lab tests, surgery, dental, cardiac, women's health, office visits, mental health, physical therapy, and urgent care / telehealth — compiled from CMS Medicare fee schedules and FairVisitHealth's curated national market estimates. The Medicare column, where available, is the 2024 Medicare allowed amount for that service; cash and independent-facility prices are typically well below hospital list (chargemaster) prices. These are national reference ranges, not a quote — search live provider-specific prices for your ZIP code.
Imaging & Radiology (35)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET Scan Skull to Thigh | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Brain Without/With Contrast | $400 | $1,400 | $3,500 | $289 | CMS MPFS |
| MRI Lumbar Spine with Contrast | $400 | $900 | $4,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Lower Extremity Without Contrast | $300 | $900 | $2,500 | $198 | CMS MPFS |
| MRI Abdomen without Contrast | $350 | $800 | $4,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Abdomen/Pelvis With Contrast | $250 | $800 | $2,200 | $218 | CMS MPFS |
| MRI Thoracic Spine without Contrast | $300 | $750 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Lumbar Spine without Contrast | $300 | $750 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Knee with Contrast | $350 | $750 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Cervical Spine without Contrast | $300 | $750 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Hip without Contrast | $300 | $700 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Abdomen with Contrast | $250 | $700 | $3,200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Brain without Contrast | $250 | $650 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Chest with Contrast | $250 | $650 | $3,200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| MRI Shoulder without Contrast | $250 | $650 | $3,200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Pelvis without Contrast | $200 | $550 | $2,800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Abdomen without Contrast | $200 | $550 | $2,800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Head with Contrast | $200 | $550 | $3,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Chest without Contrast | $200 | $500 | $2,800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Ultrasound Carotid | $150 | $400 | $900 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CT Head without Contrast | $150 | $400 | $2,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Ultrasound Pelvis Complete | $150 | $350 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Ultrasound Transvaginal | $150 | $350 | $700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Mammogram Diagnostic Bilateral | $150 | $350 | $750 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Ultrasound Abdomen Complete | $150 | $350 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Ultrasound Pregnancy | $150 | $300 | $700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| DEXA Bone Density Scan | $100 | $200 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Screening Mammography | $75 | $185 | $450 | $123 | CMS MPFS |
| X-Ray Spine Lumbar | $75 | $175 | $500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| X-Ray Shoulder | $50 | $120 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| X-Ray Knee | $50 | $120 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Chest X-Ray 2 Views | $40 | $120 | $350 | $26 | CMS MPFS |
| X-Ray Ankle | $50 | $100 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| X-Ray Hand | $50 | $100 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| X-Ray Wrist | $50 | $100 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
Lab & Blood Tests (42)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergy Skin Test | $150 | $400 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Allergy Panel Blood | $100 | $300 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| STD Panel Complete | $100 | $250 | $500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Drug Screen Comprehensive | $75 | $175 | $500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Drug Screen Urine | $50 | $125 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CA-125 Ovarian Cancer Marker | $50 | $120 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Thyroid Panel Complete | $50 | $120 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Iron Panel Complete | $40 | $100 | $275 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CEA Carcinoembryonic Antigen | $40 | $100 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| HIV Test | $35 | $85 | $250 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Chlamydia Test | $30 | $75 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy | $30 | $75 | $250 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Gonorrhea Test | $30 | $75 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Hepatitis B Surface Antigen | $30 | $70 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Hepatitis C Antibody | $30 | $70 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| PSA Prostate Specific Antigen | $30 | $70 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| TSH Thyroid Stimulating Hormone | $25 | $60 | $175 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Liver Function Panel | $25 | $60 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Urine Culture | $25 | $60 | $175 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Vitamin B12 | $25 | $60 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Syphilis Test RPR | $25 | $55 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Folic Acid | $25 | $55 | $175 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| T4 Free Thyroxine | $25 | $55 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| T3 Triiodothyronine | $25 | $55 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| CRP C-Reactive Protein | $25 | $55 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Hemoglobin A1C | $20 | $50 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| PTT Partial Thromboplastin Time | $20 | $45 | $125 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Iron Serum | $20 | $45 | $125 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| GFR Glomerular Filtration Rate | $20 | $45 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Lipid Panel | $20 | $45 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| PT Prothrombin Time | $20 | $45 | $125 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel | $15 | $45 | $150 | $11 | CMS CLFS |
| BMP Basic Metabolic Panel | $15 | $40 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| ESR Sedimentation Rate | $20 | $40 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| AST Liver Enzyme | $15 | $35 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| ALT Liver Enzyme | $15 | $35 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | $10 | $35 | $100 | $8 | CMS CLFS |
| Creatinine Blood | $15 | $30 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| BUN Blood Urea Nitrogen | $15 | $30 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Urinalysis | $8 | $30 | $75 | $4 | CMS CLFS |
| Glucose Blood Test | $10 | $25 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Blood Draw (Venipuncture) | $5 | $25 | $75 | $3 | CMS CLFS |
Surgery & Orthopedics (32)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coronary Bypass CABG | $75,000 | $125,000 | $200,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Lumbar Fusion | $25,000 | $55,000 | $110,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Cervical Fusion | $20,000 | $45,000 | $90,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Total Hip Replacement | $22,000 | $42,000 | $80,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Cardiac Stent Angioplasty | $20,000 | $40,000 | $80,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Total Shoulder Replacement | $18,000 | $35,000 | $65,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Total Knee Replacement | $12,000 | $28,000 | $65,000 | $1,450 | CMS MPFS |
| Laparoscopic Hysterectomy | $12,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Gastric Bypass | $15,000 | $25,000 | $45,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Lumbar Discectomy | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Total Abdominal Hysterectomy | $10,000 | $22,000 | $45,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Gastric Sleeve | $12,000 | $20,000 | $35,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Open Appendectomy | $8,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Open Cholecystectomy | $8,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| C-Section Cesarean Delivery | $8,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Laparoscopic Appendectomy | $6,000 | $15,000 | $30,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Lap Band Surgery | $10,000 | $15,000 | $25,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Shoulder Arthroscopy Rotator Cuff | $5,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Laparoscopic Hernia Repair | $4,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy | $3,500 | $8,500 | $18,000 | $720 | CMS MPFS |
| Shoulder Arthroscopy Diagnostic | $3,000 | $7,500 | $15,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Inguinal Hernia Repair | $3,000 | $7,500 | $15,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Knee Arthroscopy | $3,000 | $6,500 | $15,000 | $567 | CMS MPFS |
| Umbilical Hernia Repair | $2,500 | $6,000 | $12,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Cataract Surgery | $1,500 | $3,200 | $6,500 | $687 | CMS MPFS |
| Laser Eye Surgery LASIK | $1,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Colonoscopy with Polyp Removal | $700 | $2,500 | $7,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Upper Endoscopy with Biopsy | $600 | $2,200 | $5,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Colonoscopy with Biopsy | $600 | $2,000 | $6,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Colonoscopy | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 | $362 | CMS MPFS |
| Upper Endoscopy With Biopsy | $400 | $1,200 | $3,000 | $285 | CMS MPFS |
| Joint Injection | $100 | $350 | $800 | $73 | CMS MPFS |
Dental (21)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Implant | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Implant Crown | $1,000 | $1,750 | $3,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Root Canal Molar | $800 | $1,300 | $2,200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Crown Porcelain | $800 | $1,200 | $2,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Crown Metal Porcelain | $750 | $1,100 | $1,800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Root Canal Premolar | $600 | $1,000 | $1,700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Root Canal Anterior | $500 | $900 | $1,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Teeth Whitening In-Office | $300 | $500 | $1,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Wisdom Tooth Removal Impacted | $250 | $450 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Night Guard | $200 | $400 | $700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Tooth Extraction Surgical | $200 | $350 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Filling Composite 2 Surface | $125 | $225 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Filling Composite 1 Surface | $100 | $175 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Tooth Extraction Simple | $75 | $150 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Cleaning Adult | $75 | $125 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental X-Ray Panoramic | $75 | $125 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Consultation | $50 | $100 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Exam Comprehensive | $50 | $100 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Cleaning Child | $50 | $80 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental Exam Periodic | $30 | $60 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Dental X-Ray Bitewings | $25 | $50 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
Cardiac (14)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacemaker Insertion | $15,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Electrophysiology Study | $8,000 | $20,000 | $45,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Cardiac Catheterization | $5,000 | $15,000 | $35,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Coronary Angiography | $5,000 | $12,000 | $30,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Stress Test with Imaging | $500 | $1,500 | $3,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Stress Echocardiogram | $300 | $900 | $2,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Echocardiogram Complete | $200 | $750 | $2,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Echocardiogram Transthoracic | $200 | $650 | $1,800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Holter Monitor Extended | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Stress Test Exercise | $200 | $500 | $1,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Venous Doppler Lower Extremity | $150 | $400 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Holter Monitor 24 Hour | $150 | $400 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Arterial Doppler Lower Extremity | $150 | $400 | $900 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | $30 | $95 | $250 | $17 | CMS MPFS |
Women's Health (14)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IUD Insertion | $500 | $900 | $1,500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Birth Control Implant Insertion | $400 | $800 | $1,300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Colposcopy | $200 | $450 | $900 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound | $150 | $350 | $700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| OB Ultrasound First Trimester | $150 | $300 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Birth Control Implant Removal | $150 | $300 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| IUD Removal | $150 | $300 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Prenatal Care Initial Visit | $150 | $300 | $500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Well Woman Exam | $100 | $225 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Postpartum Care Visit | $100 | $200 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Prenatal Care Follow Up | $100 | $175 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Pap Smear Test | $50 | $125 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Pregnancy Test Blood HCG | $35 | $80 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Pregnancy Test Urine | $20 | $50 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
Office & Preventive Visits (17)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist Consultation Level 3 | $250 | $425 | $700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Office Visit New Patient Level 5 | $225 | $400 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Office Visit Level 5 | $150 | $350 | $750 | $178 | CMS MPFS |
| Annual Physical Adult 65+ | $175 | $350 | $550 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Annual Physical Adult 40-64 | $175 | $350 | $550 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Specialist Consultation Level 2 | $200 | $350 | $600 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| New Patient Visit Level 4 | $150 | $325 | $650 | $167 | CMS MPFS |
| Specialist Consultation Level 1 | $150 | $275 | $500 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Skin Biopsy | $100 | $250 | $600 | $87 | CMS MPFS |
| Office Visit Level 4 | $100 | $225 | $500 | $131 | CMS MPFS |
| Well Child Visit 12-17 Years | $125 | $225 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| New Patient Visit Level 3 | $100 | $200 | $450 | $110 | CMS MPFS |
| Well Child Visit Infant | $100 | $200 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Well Child Visit 1-4 Years | $100 | $200 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Well Child Visit 5-11 Years | $100 | $200 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Office Visit Level 3 | $75 | $150 | $350 | $92 | CMS MPFS |
| Therapeutic Injection | $15 | $50 | $150 | $19 | CMS MPFS |
Mental Health (11)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological Testing | $200 | $500 | $1,200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Psychiatric Evaluation with Medical | $250 | $450 | $800 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Psychiatric Evaluation | $200 | $400 | $700 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| ADHD Assessment | $150 | $350 | $750 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Psychotherapy 60 min | $80 | $200 | $400 | $113 | CMS MPFS |
| Family Therapy With Patient | $125 | $200 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Family Therapy Without Patient | $100 | $175 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Psychotherapy 45 Minutes | $85 | $150 | $250 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Psychotherapy 30 Minutes | $65 | $110 | $175 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Psychotherapy Add-On 30 Minutes | $50 | $85 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Group Therapy | $50 | $75 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
Physical Therapy (10)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy Evaluation High | $125 | $225 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Wheelchair Assessment | $100 | $200 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Physical Therapy Evaluation Moderate | $100 | $175 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Physical Therapy Evaluation Low | $75 | $150 | $300 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Physical Therapy Manual 15 Min | $35 | $70 | $120 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Physical Therapy Activities 15 Min | $35 | $65 | $110 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Neuromuscular Re-education | $35 | $65 | $110 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Physical Therapy Exercise 15 Min | $30 | $60 | $100 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Ultrasound Therapy | $25 | $50 | $90 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Electrical Stimulation | $25 | $50 | $90 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
Urgent Care & Telehealth (5)
| Procedure | National low | National median | National high | Medicare (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urgent Care Visit Moderate | $125 | $225 | $400 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Urgent Care Visit Basic | $100 | $175 | $350 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Telehealth Visit 21+ Minutes | $100 | $150 | $200 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Telehealth Visit 11-20 Minutes | $75 | $100 | $150 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
| Telehealth Visit 5-10 Minutes | $50 | $75 | $125 | — | National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated) |
"National median" is the midpoint of the observed national price range, not a guaranteed price. Source "CMS MPFS" / "CMS CLFS" rows cross-reference the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule / Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule allowed amount to a national cash-price range; "National Estimates 2024-2025 (curated)" rows are FairVisitHealth's compiled national market estimate where no single federal fee schedule applies (e.g. bundled surgical or facility charges). Full methodology at /methodology.
Overcharged? Challenge the bill and try to recover it
Finding a fair price is only half the problem. The other half is the bill you already have. 43% of U.S. adults report receiving a medical bill they believed was wrong (53% among those with health care debt), per KFF. You have the legal right to an itemized bill, to a Good Faith Estimate as a self-pay patient, and to dispute charges — but most people never do, because the process is opaque.
What FairVisitHealth includes
- AI bill audit that flags overcharges, duplicate charges, and miscoded lines
- Ready-to-send negotiation and prompt-pay discount letters
- Good Faith Estimate dispute packets (No Surprises Act PPDR)
- Insurance denial appeal letters and a collections response pack
- Charity-care and financial-assistance eligibility screening
All included in one flat $29/month membership — no percentage of your savings.
How the industry usually charges for this
Dedicated medical-bill-negotiation services typically take a cut of whatever they save you:
- One leading service charges 20% of the savings (capped at $1,000 per bill)
- Another charges 10-25% of the savings depending on bill size, plus a $249-$499 upfront deposit
Example: on a $10,000 bill negotiated down by $4,000, a 20-25% success fee is $800-$1,000. A flat membership is designed for people who need this help repeatedly, not once. Outcomes are not guaranteed, and FairVisitHealth's membership fee is not contingent on results.
Competitor fees per their published 2026 pricing (Goodbill, Resolve Medical Bills) and subject to change; verify current terms directly with each service.
The data behind this report
FairVisitHealth aggregates U.S. healthcare pricing from official public sources — CMS Medicare fee schedules, hospital price-transparency machine-readable files, insurer Transparency-in-Coverage files, NADAC drug acquisition costs, the NPPES provider registry, and state Medicaid schedules. Full source list and methodology at /data-sources and /methodology.
The 201-procedure price index above is compiled specifically from the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (2024 allowed amounts) and from FairVisitHealth's curated national market estimates (2024-2025) for services with no single federal fee schedule (e.g. bundled inpatient surgical or facility charges). "National median" is the midpoint of the observed national range, not a live quote. Cash and independent-facility prices are typically well below hospital chargemaster (list) prices — see the flagship comparison above. For a provider-specific, ZIP-code-level price, search live prices at /providers.
Frequently asked questions
Why do U.S. medical prices vary so much for the same procedure?
The same procedure has no single price in the U.S. Hospitals set a chargemaster (sticker) price 2-10× higher than negotiated rates, then charge different amounts to each insurer, to Medicare, to Medicaid, and to cash-pay patients. Freestanding centers avoid hospital facility fees, so identical imaging can cost 3-8× less a few miles away. Because there is no posted single price, comparison shopping — now legally possible under the CMS price-transparency rule — routinely saves 30-80%.
Is cash-pay ever cheaper than using insurance?
Yes, frequently. For generic drugs, routine labs, imaging, and primary care, the negotiated cash price is often lower than an insured patient's copay or deductible-phase cost. A CBC blood test is $10-$30 direct-to-consumer versus $150-$300 billed through a hospital lab. The trade-off: cash payments usually do not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, so compare before every non-emergency service.
How many Americans are moving to self-pay in 2026?
About 17 million more people are projected to become uninsured through 2026 from Medicaid changes and the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies, and roughly 40% of patient out-of-pocket dollars at health systems now come from uninsured patients — up 11% year over year. Even insured Americans increasingly shop cash prices as premiums rose an average 114% after subsidies lapsed.
How do I get a refund or lower a hospital bill I already overpaid?
First, request a fully itemized bill — you have the right to one — and check each line for duplicate charges, services you did not receive, and miscoded procedures; 43% of adults report a bill they believed was erroneous. Compare the charges to fair cash prices and Medicare benchmarks, then send a written dispute or prompt-pay settlement offer. If you are self-pay and the final bill exceeded your Good Faith Estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it through the federal Patient-Provider Dispute Resolution process. Dedicated negotiation services do this for 20-25% of what they recover; FairVisitHealth includes bill audit, negotiation letters, and dispute packets in a flat $29/month membership.
How many procedures are in FairVisitHealth's price index, and where does the data come from?
The price index on this page covers 201 common procedures — imaging and radiology, lab and blood tests, surgery and orthopedics, dental, cardiac, women's health, office and preventive visits, mental health, physical therapy, and urgent care / telehealth — with a national low, median, and high cash-price range for each. Where a federal fee schedule applies, the entry also shows the 2024 Medicare allowed amount. Rows are sourced from the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, or from FairVisitHealth's curated national market estimates (2024-2025) for services without a single federal benchmark. This is a national reference table, not a quote; search /providers for a live, provider-specific price in your ZIP code.
For journalists, researchers & policymakers
FairVisitHealth maintains one of the largest consumer-facing databases of U.S. medical price data: 50M+ price records across 9M+ providers, built from public federal, state, and industry-standard pricing sources. Most of that corpus is insurer-negotiated and government fee-schedule rates, the benchmarks a self-pay patient needs to judge a cash quote. We offer this as a public-interest resource for reporting on healthcare affordability and the 2026 coverage transition. For data requests, aggregate statistics, or interviews, contact us via our press page.
Press & data resourcesAll prices are estimates compiled from the cited public sources and reflect national ranges as of the report date. Actual prices vary by provider, location, insurance status, and clinical specifics. Coverage-loss and premium figures are third-party projections (CBO, KFF, Urban Institute, Commonwealth Fund), not settled outcomes. Third-party competitor pricing is per each service's published terms and subject to change — verify directly. Bill-negotiation and dispute outcomes are not guaranteed. Always verify prices directly with providers before receiving care. This report is informational and is not medical, legal, or financial advice.