How Much Does Gallbladder Removal Cost? (2026 Guide)
March 10, 2026 · Procedure Costs · 9 min read
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is one of the most common surgeries in the United States, with over 700,000 performed each year. It's the standard treatment for gallstones that cause pain, inflammation, or other complications. Whether your surgery is scheduled or an emergency, understanding the real costs can help you save thousands.
Based on negotiated rate data from 2,744 hospitals, the national median cost of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CPT 47562) is $5,698. Most patients can expect to pay between $2,003 and $9,071, though prices range from $823 to over $14,948.
That's an 18x price spread for the same procedure — and choosing the right facility can mean the difference between a manageable bill and a devastating one.
National Gallbladder Removal Cost Data (2026)
We analyzed negotiated rates from hospitals across the country for CPT code 47562 (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Here's what the data shows:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| National Median | $5,698 |
| National Average | $7,035 |
| Typical Range (25th–75th percentile) | $2,003 – $9,071 |
| Low End (10th percentile) | $823 |
| High End (90th percentile) | $14,948 |
| Hospitals Analyzed | 2,744 |
Data source: Negotiated rates from hospital price transparency files, analyzed by Taven Health. Prices reflect facility fees for CPT 47562 and do not include anesthesia, pathology, or post-op care costs, which are typically billed separately.
If your surgeon also performs a cholangiogram (CPT 47563) to check for bile duct stones during surgery, the median cost increases slightly to $5,752, based on data from 2,524 hospitals.
Compare gallbladder removal costs at hospitals near you →
What's Included in the Cost (And What's Not)
Typically Included in the Facility Fee
- Operating room time
- Nursing care during surgery
- Recovery room
- Basic surgical supplies
Usually Billed Separately
- Anesthesia: $1,000–$3,000
- Pre-op imaging (ultrasound/HIDA scan): $300–$1,500
- Pathology (tissue analysis): $200–$600
- ER visit (if emergency): $1,500–$4,000
- Hospital stay (if overnight): $2,000–$5,000 per night
- Post-op medications: $50–$200
Total all-in cost for gallbladder removal typically ranges from $8,000 to $30,000+ when everything is included.
Elective vs. Emergency Cholecystectomy
About 40% of cholecystectomies are performed on an emergency or urgent basis. The timing matters for both outcomes and cost:
- Elective (scheduled): You have time to compare prices, choose the lowest-cost facility, and optimize your insurance timing. Often outpatient. Best outcome and lowest cost.
- Urgent (within days): After a gallbladder attack, your surgeon may recommend surgery within a few days. Less time to shop but still some flexibility.
- Emergency (same day): Acute cholecystitis, gangrenous gallbladder, or gallstone pancreatitis require immediate surgery. Highest cost due to ER charges and potential complications.
Factors That Affect Your Gallbladder Removal Cost
1. Hospital vs. Ambulatory Surgery Center
For elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, ASCs typically charge 30–50% less than hospitals. If your surgeon operates at an ASC and you're a good candidate, this can save $3,000–$7,000.
2. Emergency vs. Scheduled
Emergency gallbladder removal costs significantly more due to ER charges, potential complications, and longer hospital stays. If you've had gallbladder attacks, scheduling an elective removal before the next emergency can save both money and risk.
3. Geographic Location
Prices vary dramatically by region. The same surgery can cost $4,000 in one market and $18,000 in another.
4. Complications
If the gallbladder is severely inflamed, the surgeon may need to convert from laparoscopic to open surgery (larger incision). This is more expensive and requires a longer hospital stay. A bile duct injury — a rare but serious complication — can add tens of thousands in additional costs.
5. Additional Procedures
An intraoperative cholangiogram adds to the cost. If bile duct stones are found, an ERCP (endoscopic procedure to remove them) is typically performed separately, adding $3,000–$8,000.
Gallbladder Removal Cost With Insurance
- High-deductible plan: Expect $2,000–$6,000 out of pocket
- PPO/HMO with moderate deductible: Typically $1,500–$4,000
- Met your out-of-pocket maximum: $0
Gallbladder Removal Cost With Medicare
- Outpatient: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after Part B deductible
- Inpatient: Part A deductible ($1,632 in 2026)
- Typical total out-of-pocket: $1,200–$3,000
How to Save on Gallbladder Removal
1. Don't Wait for an Emergency
If you've had gallbladder attacks, schedule an elective cholecystectomy. Emergency surgery costs 2–3x more and carries higher complication risk.
2. Compare Prices
Use Taven's Compare Care tool to see what facilities near you charge. Our data shows prices varying by more than 18x for the same procedure.
3. Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center
For uncomplicated cases, ASCs offer the same outcomes at 30–50% lower cost.
4. Get a Good Faith Estimate
Request a complete Good Faith Estimate including surgeon, facility, and anesthesia charges before scheduling.
5. Negotiate If Needed
If you're uninsured or your bill is too high, negotiate. Use our letter templates and fair pricing data to support your case.
When Is Gallbladder Removal Necessary?
Cholecystectomy is recommended when:
- Gallstones cause recurrent pain (biliary colic)
- Acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation/infection)
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Gallbladder polyps larger than 1 cm
- Porcelain gallbladder (calcified gallbladder wall — cancer risk)
Not all gallstones need surgery. Asymptomatic gallstones (found incidentally on imaging) generally don't require treatment unless you have specific risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Without insurance, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy costs between $2,003 and $9,071 at most hospitals, with a national median of $5,698. Total all-in costs range from $8,000 to $30,000.
With insurance, most patients pay between $1,500 and $5,000 out of pocket, depending on their plan.
Most laparoscopic cholecystectomies are outpatient. Patients go home the same day. Emergency cases or those with complications may require 1–3 days of hospitalization.
Yes. An intraoperative cholangiogram (CPT 47563) has a median cost of $5,752, slightly higher than the standard procedure. Compare prices for both codes.
For elective cases, absolutely. Prices range from $823 to over $14,900. Shopping around can save you thousands.
The Bottom Line
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy costs a median of $5,698 nationally, but prices range from $823 to over $14,948. If you're having gallbladder attacks, don't wait for an emergency — schedule elective surgery and choose the most cost-effective facility.
Compare gallbladder removal prices near you, consider ambulatory surgery centers, and get a Good Faith Estimate. Choosing the right facility can save you $5,000–$10,000.