How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost? (2026 Guide)

An appendectomy — surgical removal of the appendix — is one of the most common emergency surgeries in the United States, with over 300,000 performed each year. Because it's usually an emergency, most patients don't have time to shop around. But understanding costs can still help you negotiate your bill afterward and avoid overpaying.

Based on negotiated rate data from 2,472 hospitals, the national median cost of a laparoscopic appendectomy (CPT 44970) is $5,281. Most patients can expect to pay between $1,795 and $8,177, though prices range from $746 to over $13,125.

That 18x spread means your hospital choice — or which ER you happen to go to — can make a massive difference in what you owe.

National Appendectomy Cost Data (2026)

We analyzed negotiated rates from hospitals across the country for CPT code 44970 (laparoscopic appendectomy). Here's what the data shows:

Data source: Negotiated rates from hospital price transparency files, analyzed by Taven Health. Prices reflect facility fees for CPT 44970 and do not include anesthesia, pathology, or post-op care costs, which are typically billed separately.

Compare appendectomy costs at hospitals near you →

Open vs. Laparoscopic Appendectomy

There are two main surgical approaches:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy (CPT 44970): The standard approach. Uses small incisions and a camera. Shorter recovery, less pain, fewer complications. This is what ~90% of patients receive.
• Open appendectomy (CPT 44950): A larger incision. Used when the appendix has ruptured or there are complications. Longer hospital stay typically means higher total costs.

The pricing data above covers laparoscopic appendectomy. Open appendectomies generally cost more due to longer hospital stays and higher complication rates.

What's Included in the Cost (And What's Not)

The numbers above reflect the surgeon's facility fee — the core procedure cost. An appendectomy involves many separate charges:

Typically Included in the Facility Fee

• Operating room time
• Nursing care during surgery
• Recovery room
• Basic supplies and equipment

Usually Billed Separately

• ER visit and workup: $1,500–$5,000 (CT scan, labs, IV fluids)
• Anesthesia: $1,000–$3,000
• Pathology (tissue analysis): $200–$800
• Hospital stay (if overnight): $2,000–$5,000 per night
• Post-op medications: $50–$300

Total all-in cost for an appendectomy typically ranges from $10,000 to $35,000+ when everything is included, with complicated (ruptured) cases at the high end.

Factors That Affect Your Appendectomy Cost

1. Complicated vs. Uncomplicated

This is the single biggest cost driver. An uncomplicated appendectomy (appendix hasn't burst) is often outpatient or a 1-night stay. A ruptured appendix can mean 3–7 days in the hospital, IV antibiotics, possible drain placement, and costs that are 2–4x higher.

2. Emergency vs. Interval Appendectomy

Most appendectomies are emergencies, which means you go to whichever hospital is closest. In rare cases, antibiotics treat the acute episode first, and surgery is scheduled later (interval appendectomy). Scheduled procedures give you time to compare prices.

3. Geographic Location

Hospital prices vary enormously by region. The same surgery can cost $3,000 in one city and $15,000 in another. Urban academic medical centers typically charge more than community hospitals.

4. Hospital Type

Academic medical centers and large health systems charge significantly more than community hospitals. For a straightforward appendectomy, outcomes at community hospitals are generally comparable.

5. Insurance and Negotiated Rates

The chargemaster price for an appendectomy can be 3–5x what insurers actually pay. If you're uninsured, always ask for the self-pay rate — it's typically much lower than the sticker price.

Appendectomy Cost With Insurance

If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan structure:

• High-deductible plan ($3,000–$7,000 deductible): You'll likely pay the full deductible plus coinsurance, typically $3,000–$7,000
• PPO/HMO with moderate deductible: Expect $1,500–$4,000 out of pocket
• Reached your out-of-pocket maximum: $0

Important: Under the No Surprises Act, if you go to an in-network hospital for an emergency appendectomy, out-of-network providers (like the anesthesiologist or ER doctor) cannot balance-bill you. You'll only owe your in-network cost-sharing amounts.

Appendectomy Cost With Medicare

Medicare covers appendectomy as a medically necessary procedure:

• Part A (hospital): You pay the inpatient deductible ($1,632 in 2026)
• Part B (surgeon): 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible
• Typical total out-of-pocket with Original Medicare: $2,000–$3,500

How to Save on Your Appendectomy Bill

1. Request an Itemized Bill

After your surgery, request a detailed itemized bill. Look for duplicate charges, incorrect codes, and charges for services you didn't receive. Billing errors are common, especially with emergency procedures.

2. Compare Your Bill to Fair Prices

Use Taven's Compare Care tool to see what other hospitals in your area charge for the same procedure. If your bill is significantly above the median, you have strong leverage to negotiate.

3. Ask for a Self-Pay Discount

If you're uninsured or underinsured, ask the hospital for their self-pay rate. Many hospitals offer 30–60% discounts for cash-pay patients.

4. Negotiate After the Fact

Even with emergency surgery, you can negotiate your bill afterward. Use our letter templates to write an effective negotiation letter. Hospitals would rather get paid something than send your bill to collections.

5. Apply for Financial Assistance

Most nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance (charity care) programs. If your income is below 200–400% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for significant reductions or complete forgiveness of your bill.

6. Check for Surprise Billing Protections

Under the No Surprises Act, you're protected from surprise bills from out-of-network providers during emergency care. If you receive a balance bill from an out-of-network anesthesiologist or ER doctor, dispute it.

When Is an Appendectomy Necessary?

An appendectomy is typically performed for:

• Acute appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix with pain, fever, and elevated white blood cell count
• Ruptured appendix: A medical emergency requiring immediate surgery
• Appendiceal abscess: Sometimes treated with antibiotics first, followed by interval appendectomy

Signs of appendicitis include sudden pain starting around the navel and moving to the lower right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. If you suspect appendicitis, seek emergency care immediately — delays increase the risk of rupture.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

A laparoscopic appendectomy costs a median of $5,281 nationally, but prices range from $746 to over $13,125. Since appendectomies are usually emergencies, you may not be able to shop around — but you can absolutely negotiate your bill afterward.

After your surgery, review your bill for errors, compare prices at nearby hospitals, and don't accept the first number on the bill. The same surgery at a different facility could cost $5,000–$10,000 less.