One of the scariest parts of any surgery is the cost—not just physically and mentally, but monetarily. How much a hysterectomy costs will be largely dependent on how invasive it is, why you’re having the hysterectomy, and the circumstances surrounding the procedure.
Open Surgery vs. MIP
A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus—and sometimes other organs as well, such as the pelvic lymph nodes or cervix. If the uterus isn’t too large and there aren’t too many other complications, it’s possible there is an alternative to the normal method of abdominal surgery. In abdominal surgery, a large incision is made across the abdomen, and whatever needs taken out is removed that way. A minimally invasive procedure (MIP), however, can be done using a laparoscope, which requires a much smaller incision, which means less scarring, faster healing, and decreased risk of infection.
Healthcare Blue Book lists a total abdominal hysterectomy at a little over $11,000. For a minimally invasive procedure (with laparoscope), the price drops down to closer to $9,000. Although it seems like it would be more for the MIP, as it seems like a “fancier” surgery, it actually reduces the length of time necessary to stay in the hospital, which drops the price considerably. For a vaginal hysterectomy (a small incision is made in the vagina, instead of the abdomen), you’re looking at around $7,600. Also take into account the fact that recovery time is shorter with MIP and vaginal hysterectomy, which means less lost wages. Unfortunately, an abdominal hysterectomy is the only option for some patients. However, be sure and discuss your options thoroughly with your doctor.
Insurance
Having insurance can change the cost of a surgery drastically, but not always. Some insurance plans only cover what goes on in the doctor’s office, charging a copay (meaning, when you go to the doctor it costs you $15 out of your pocket, and the other $100 is billed to your insurance). Most insurance plans also have a deductible, which means anything that goes on medically outside of the doctor’s office (for example, at a specialist like a gynecologist or at a hospital) has to be paid out of pocket until you hit a certain amount. After that, some plans will pay all or some of the expenses beyond the deductible.
So, if your insurance plan has a $5,000 deductible and then pays 50% on services after you’ve met it, you could be looking at about $3,000 for an abdominal hysterectomy. Look over your insurance plan or call your insurance provider if you have questions. Make sure your doctor is charging a reasonable amount, and they aren't, look for other in network (medical offices covered by your insurance) that offer a better deal.
