Procedures/General Surgery

How Much Does Gallbladder Removal Cost?

Average cost: $18,000 | Range: $10,000 - $30,000

Average Cost
$18,000
With Insurance
$1,500-$6,000
Recovery Time
1-3 weeks
Urgency
Semi-urgent

About This Procedure

Cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones causing pain, inflammation, or infection.

Hospital Stay: Outpatient to 1 day
Recovery: 1-3 weeks

What Affects the Price?

Emergency gallbladder removal costs 40-80% more than scheduled surgery due to ER fees and hospital admission. Laparoscopic surgery (most common) costs less due to shorter recovery. If converted to open surgery mid-procedure, costs increase significantly.

Key Cost Factors

  • Laparoscopic vs open
  • Emergency vs scheduled
  • Inpatient vs outpatient
  • Complications
  • Facility fees
  • Pathology

Cost With vs Without Insurance

Without Insurance
$10,000 - $30,000

Full chargemaster or negotiated cash price

With Insurance
$1,500 - $6,000

After deductible, copay, and coinsurance

Insurance costs assume you have met your deductible. If you haven't, your out-of-pocket costs will be higher until the deductible is satisfied.

Cost by State (Sample)

StateLowHighAvgW/ Insurance
Alabama$8,500$25,500$15,300$5,100
Alaska$14,200$42,600$25,560$8,520
Arizona$9,700$29,100$17,460$5,820
Arkansas$8,200$24,600$14,760$4,920
California$13,800$41,400$24,840$8,280
Colorado$11,200$33,600$20,160$6,720
Connecticut$12,800$38,400$23,040$7,680
Delaware$11,000$33,000$19,800$6,600
Florida$10,500$31,500$18,900$6,300
Georgia$9,600$28,800$17,280$5,760
View all states

Frequently Asked Questions

Always Get Multiple Quotes

Medical procedure prices vary by 300-500% between facilities. Getting quotes from multiple providers is the best way to find a fair price.

How to Negotiate Medical Bills

Insurance Coverage

Compare insurance types to find the best coverage for gallbladder removal.

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Get a Cost Estimate

Use our calculator to estimate costs adjusted for your state and insurance type.

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