How Much Does Open Abdominal Surgery for Islet Cell Transplant Cost?
Open abdominal surgery for islet cell transplantation involves a surgical incision into the abdomen to implant insulin-producing islet cells, typically into the liver. This procedure is performed to help patients with type 1 diabetes produce their own insulin and reduce their reliance on insulin injections.
Step 1 · The average price
Median hospital price
$5,397
Based on 46 hospitals
💡 The doctor's Medicare fee is $1,171 — that's what the physician receives. Hospital/facility charges are separate.
Common Questions
How much does Laparotomy Islet Transplant cost?
The average Median hospital price for Open Abdominal Surgery for Islet Cell Transplant is $5,397.
Does Medicare cover Laparotomy Islet Transplant?
Yes. Medicare pays physicians $1,171 on average. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% after your deductible (~$234).
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 Laparotomy Islet Transplant 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.
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