How Much is Gallbladder Surgery?
One of the lesser-known organs in the human body is the gallbladder. It’s a small organ underneath the liver and on the upper-right side of the abdomen. For many, you’ll never notice the gallbladder, but for others, gallbladder issues can cause significant pain. Luckily, a doctor can remove the gallbladder. In this article, we’ll discuss the cost of gallbladder surgery and how to pay for it. First, we need to understand the surgery itself.
What is gallbladder removal surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure in which a doctor completely removes the gallbladder from your body. It’s a more common procedure than you might think, with over 600,000 cholecystectomies performed per year. Gallbladders store bile, a fluid that the liver produces. Bile helps break down the fatty foods you eat.
There are two types of gallbladder removal:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy uses several small incisions and precise surgical tools to access and remove the gallbladder. This procedure has a quicker recovery time and requires a shorter hospital stay.
- Open cholecystectomy requires a larger incision and is used when doctors cannot safely remove the gallbladder using the laparoscopic method.
So, why would you need to have your gallbladder removed? There are a few reasons, but the most common include:
- Your gallbladder or bile duct has solid lumps called gallstones, which can cause significant abdominal pain
- Your gallbladder is red, inflamed, or infected (a disease known as cholecystitis)
- Your gallbladder is cancerous
As you can see, gallbladder surgery can help alleviate current pain or prevent more complex issues in the future. Now that you know why you’d get gallbladder surgery, let’s look at the costs of gallbladder removal surgery. GoFundMe is not a medical expert, you should consult your medical provider for more information regarding reasons for gallbladder removal.
What factors influence the cost of gallbladder surgery?
There are a few crucial factors that can determine the cost of care for a cholecystectomy, including:
- Type of gallbladder surgery: Whether you or a loved one will get laparoscopic gallbladder surgery or an open cholecystectomy can affect the total cost of your procedure. According to Amino, a healthcare guidance platform, the average cost for laparoscopic gallbladder removal is $8,461, while open gallbladder removal surgery costs $10,874. These numbers are a combined total cost – what you and your health insurance provider may pay together.
- Geographic location: Where you live can also factor into the cost you can expect to pay. Those who live in big cities often have more choices, which can mean the ability to find lower-cost options compared to rural patients who may have more limited options.
- Type of facility: Where you have the procedure done can also impact the cost. Hospital procedures are often more expensive in comparison to outpatient surgery centers.
- Anesthesia: Since cholecystectomies are done under general anesthesia, you can expect anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees, which can vary.
- Doctor fees: Doctors charge independently, so their fees can vary. Your surgeon’s fee and the number and frequency of pre- and post-operative doctor visits can also affect the total cost.
- Insurance coverage: Your insurance company’s coverage will also affect your out-of-pocket costs. For those who utilize insurance for the procedure, your provider may cover some or all of the surgery’s costs. However, it’s essential to understand the deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance costs you may be responsible for.
Now that you understand the factors determining the total surgery cost let’s examine ways to lower your costs.
Try Crowdfunding for gallbladder surgery costs
Crowdfunding can be a powerful way to get closer to paying for your gallbladder removal surgery. Whether you’re utilizing insurance coverage and need a little help, or you’re having to pay for the entire operation out of pocket, starting a GoFundMe can help you get the support you need. Starting a fundraiser is quick and easy, so you can begin to get help for yourself, a loved one, or a friend in just a few minutes.
Insurance coverage for gallbladder surgery
As you’ve seen, gallbladder removal surgery can be expensive. However, insurance coverage can help reduce your out-of-pocket medical bills. Patients typically utilize private insurance or government health plans to pay for this surgery.
Private health care coverage
Private health care coverage is an insurance plan in which an insurance company provides coverage to an entire group or organization. Usually, these are employees of a whole company. You can also purchase insurance directly from an insurance provider or through the Health Care Marketplace.
Each private healthcare company will have varying plans with specific language describing care coverage. However, these plans often help cover gallbladder removal surgery if it’s deemed to be medically necessary. When looking at your insurance to help pay for your treatment, review your plan documents and ensure you have the proper medical documentation to prove the surgery is medically necessary.
Government health insurance plans
There are also a variety of government health insurance plans that can provide some help with gallbladder surgery.
Medicare
Medicare is the government health insurance program for people 65 and older and people with disabilities or certain diseases. These health plans provide hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B). They can also include Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), Medicare Cost Plans, and the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Private companies contract with Medicare to offer these plans. Prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) is also available.
Medicare can cover many of the costs associated with a medically necessary cholecystectomy. According to Medicare.gov, the average patient out-of-pocket cost for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with cholangiography is $682 at an ambulatory surgical center and $1,240 at a hospital outpatient department.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state and federal program that helps cover medical costs for those with limited income and resources. Each state runs its own Medicaid program, following the general rules set forth by the federal government. Because each state is different, they may have other coverage requirements for gallbladder removal surgery. Contact your state to learn more about Medicaid eligibility and your coverage options.
Those without insurance coverage may have to pay the entire surgery cost out-of-pocket. Luckily, some programs can help financially stressed individuals. Let’s examine some of these options.
Gallbladder surgery financial assistance options
For those who need help affording the cost of their surgery, several nonprofits can provide support, including:
- The HealthWell Foundation: A leading nonprofit organization helping people afford healthcare costs. This foundation may assist with copays, premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Patient Action Network (PAN) Foundation: A nonprofit organization that helps underinsured people with their out-of-pocket expenses. They may be able to help with the cost of gallbladder removal surgery.
- The Hill-Burton Program: This government program provides free care to those below the poverty line and reduced-cost care for financially disadvantaged people.
Planning for gallbladder surgery costs
Gallbladder surgery can be life-changing, but if you aren’t diligent about planning for the costs, it can turn into a financial burden. Therefore, it’s essential to prepare for the expenses ahead of time. Here’s how you can take steps to make sure you’re financially prepared for the costs:
- Understand the complete financial picture: Knowing how much the surgery will cost and what your co-payment, deductible, and co-insurance costs will be can help you forecast its affordability. Call your insurance company to get pre-authorization for the surgery and ensure you’re utilizing in-network services to lower your costs. If you need financial assistance, reach out to secure it as early as possible.
- Try to avoid medical debt: Once you understand the financial implications, you’ll better understand the surgery’s costs. Avoid medical debt by talking to your healthcare providers to see if you can pay as part of a payment plan. Working directly with providers can save you money versus high-interest credit cards or loans. In addition, utilize your network to see how they can financially support you so that you don’t go into debt.
Getting the help you need for your cholecystectomy might seem overwhelming, but simply asking for help can often be the best solution. GoFundMe can be an excellent resource for reaching out to a broader audience than just your network to get the support you need. With GoFundMe, you can get one step closer to the financial help you need for your gallbladder removal surgery.