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How Much Does Open Exploration of Common Bile Duct Cost?

This open surgical procedure involves exploring the common bile duct, often to remove gallstones (choledocholithotomy) or to diagnose and treat other obstructions. It may include cholangiography, an imaging technique to visualize the bile ducts.

Step 1 · The average price
Average hospital price
$15,694
Based on 100 hospitals across 77 cities
$499
$39,875

💡 The doctor's Medicare fee is $1,013 — that's what the physician receives. Hospital/facility charges are separate.

Step 2 · Your city

What does Bile Duct Exploration cost where you live?

Prices vary by location. Pick your city to see local hospital prices.

Why do some cities cost 3–4× more than others?

Most of the difference is hospital pricing, not the medicine. The procedure itself is essentially the same everywhere — what changes is what the facility charges:

  • Hospitals set their own prices. There's no national price for a procedure, so two hospitals — even in the same city — can charge wildly different amounts for identical care.
  • Local costs differ. Wages, rent, and malpractice insurance are far higher in big metros (e.g. San Francisco, New York) than in smaller cities. Medicare adjusts the doctor's fee for this, but only modestly; hospital charges swing much more.
  • Competition matters. In areas with few hospitals or one dominant health system, prices tend to run higher. Competitive markets push them down.
  • Insurer contracts vary by region, which moves both the negotiated and cash prices.

💡 Because the difference is mostly pricing power — not quality — it's worth comparing hospitals and asking for the cash/self-pay rate, which is often far below the list price.

Common Questions

How much does Bile Duct Exploration cost?
The average Average hospital price for Open Exploration of Common Bile Duct is $15,694. Across 100 hospitals, prices range from $499 to $39,875.
Does Medicare cover Bile Duct Exploration?
Yes. Medicare pays physicians $1,013 on average. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% after your deductible (~$203).
How much does it cost without insurance?
Uninsured patients often face the chargemaster rate (3-10x higher than cash price). Always ask the hospital for their self-pay or cash-pay rate — often 40-80% off the list price.
Why is the price so different between hospitals?
Hospital prices for the same procedure vary by insurance contract, facility overhead, and regional cost of living. In some cities, the highest-priced hospital charges 3-5× what the lowest-priced hospital charges for the same service.
Why does Bile Duct Exploration cost so much more in some cities than others?
Most of the difference is hospital pricing, not the medicine — the procedure is essentially the same everywhere. Hospitals set their own prices with no national standard, so charges swing 3-4× based on local wages, rent, and malpractice costs, how much competition there is between hospitals, and regional insurer contracts. Because it's pricing power rather than quality, comparing hospitals and asking for the cash/self-pay rate can save a lot.
What should I ask before scheduling?
Ask for the total estimated bill (including facility + anesthesia + supplies), whether the service is covered by your insurance, if the procedure can be done at an ambulatory surgery center (typically 30-60% cheaper), and what the cash-pay rate is.

💬 Ask a Question About This Procedure

Not sure what applies to your situation? Ask our AI assistant. Answers in plain English, with links to hospital data.

Important: These figures come from publicly available Medicare fee schedules and hospital price transparency filings. They are not a quote. Your actual cost depends on insurance, deductible, facility, and clinical circumstances. Always verify with your facility and insurer before scheduling. For educational purposes only — not medical advice.

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