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How Much Does Total Knee Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement) Cost?

This surgical procedure replaces the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial components, often including resurfacing the kneecap. It is performed to relieve severe pain and improve mobility in patients with advanced knee arthritis or significant joint damage.

Step 1 · The typical price
Typical hospital rate
$13,411
The midpoint of published hospital rates from 755 hospitals. Half are higher, half are lower.
$9,258
$19,012

The middle half of rates falls in this range. Some hospitals publish rates well outside it.

💡 The doctor's Medicare fee is $1,165 — that's what the physician receives. Hospital/facility charges are separate.

Step 2 · Your city

What does Total Knee Replacement cost where you live?

Prices vary by location. Pick your city to see local hospital prices. City figures come from a smaller set of hospitals, each counted once, so they can differ from the national figure above.

Why do prices differ between cities and hospitals?

Several things move the price a hospital publishes:

  • 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.

💡 A higher price does not tell you the care is better, and this data cannot tell you why one hospital charges more. It's worth comparing hospitals and asking for the cash/self-pay rate, which can be below the list price.

Common Questions

How much does Total Knee Replacement cost?
The typical published hospital rate for Total Knee Arthroplasty (Knee Replacement) is $13,411. The middle half of rates runs from $9,258 to $19,012. What you pay depends on your insurance and the hospital.
Does Medicare cover Total Knee Replacement?
Yes. Medicare pays physicians $1,165 on average. Under Original Medicare (Part B), you typically pay 20% after your deductible (~$233).
How much does it cost without insurance?
Uninsured patients may be billed the hospital's list price, which is often higher than its self-pay rate. Ask the hospital for its self-pay or cash rate and for a written estimate before scheduling.
Why is the price so different between hospitals?
Hospitals set their own prices, and rates vary with insurance contracts, facility costs and the local market. Two hospitals can publish very different rates for the same procedure, so it is worth comparing.
Why does Total Knee Replacement cost more in some cities than others?
There is no national price for a hospital procedure. Each hospital sets its own rates, and local costs, competition and insurer contracts all play a part. Our data shows the differences but cannot tell you the reason for any one hospital's price.
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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