A hysterectomy is a surgery to remove the uterus and in some cases the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix. Several variables can affect the cost, which ranges from around $5,300–10,100.
Hysterectomy is the
This article examines whether health insurance covers hysterectomy, the costs involved, and the factors that affect cost. It also discusses questions to ask a doctor about hysterectomy and the outlook for the surgery.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Health insurance may help cover some costs associated with hysterectomy. This may depend on the need for hysterectomy and the type of hysterectomy.
Hysterectomy can be either an inpatient or outpatient procedure. Health insurance covers medically necessary doctor services in an outpatient hysterectomy and some doctor services in an inpatient hysterectomy.
For example, according to Medicare.gov, for a total hysterectomy in which the surgeon removes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, the total cost is $10,030 in a hospital outpatient surgery. Medicare would cover $8,287, and the patient would pay $1,742.
A person’s health insurer may require a person to receive a second opinion from another doctor to ensure the surgery is medically necessary before it approves the payment. The amount a person needs to pay out of pocket, which insurance does not cover, can depend on factors such as:
- Deductible: The annual payment a person must pay to their health insurer.
- Copay: The set amount a person must pay for a healthcare service.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of healthcare costs a person is responsible for after they meet their deductible.
Different types of hysterectomy cost different amounts. One 2017 study found that the average costs of hysterectomy also varied significantly between geographic locations in the United States.
According to the researchers, the average cost of a hysterectomy ranged between $9,661 and $22,534.
According to Medicare.gov, the costs of some hysterectomies, by type and in hospital outpatient departments, are as follows:
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| laparoscopic total hysterectomy, which includes removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries | $10,030 |
| laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy, which includes removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries | $10,104 |
| vaginal hysterectomy of the uterus | $5,368 |
| vaginal hysterectomy of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries | $5,458 |
| laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy of the uterus | $5,918 |
| laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries | $9,952 |
Below are various factors that may affect the cost of a hysterectomy.
Type of hysterectomy
Some types of hysterectomy may cost more than others.
Types of hysterectomy include:
- Total hysterectomy: This is the most common type of hysterectomy. In this procedure, a surgeon removes the entire uterus, including the cervix. The surgeon may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries in some cases.
- Supracervical or partial hysterectomy: In this procedure, a surgeon removes the upper part of the uterus but leaves the cervix in place. The surgeon may or may not remove the ovaries.
- Radical hysterectomy: The surgeon removes the entire uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and tissue on either side of the cervix. They may also remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Hysterectomy methods
There are also different methods of hysterectomy that can affect the cost. These include:
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy: A surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen or vagina and inserts a laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a light and camera. Through the small incisions, the surgeon removes the uterus, and in some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: The surgeon performs the hysterectomy through a small incision in the vagina.
- Abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen to perform the hysterectomy.
- Robotic surgery: The surgeon guides a robotic arm to perform the hysterectomy through small incisions in the abdomen.
Total laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies tend to cost more. The type of hysterectomy and the method a surgeon uses will depend on various factors, such as the need for surgery.
Other factors
Other variables that can affect the cost of a hysterectomy include:
- geographic location
- the medical facility in which the surgeon performs the procedure
- a person’s health insurance
Before undergoing a hysterectomy, a person may wish to discuss various concerns with a doctor. These may include:
Complications
A person may wish to discuss the potential complications of a hysterectomy, which can affect recovery and add to the cost of treatment.
There is a slight risk of complications from a hysterectomy. They include:
- infection
- damage to the bowel or bladder
- heavy bleeding
- allergic reaction to general anesthetic
Alternatives
People may want to ask about alternatives to hysterectomy, which may be more cost effective or suit their needs better.
Alternatives can include:
- hormone therapy
- laser ablation for uterine fibroids
- laparoscopy for endometriosis
- endometrial ablation
- dilation and curettage (D and C)
Recovery
A person may also want to ask about the recovery process after a hysterectomy, which can lead to significant time away from work and may incur extra costs.
Although recovery times vary according to the type of hysterectomy, the procedure can be major surgery. A person may need to spend 5 days in the hospital and take 6–8 weeks to fully recover. During recovery, a person may require help with daily activities.
The risk of complications from a hysterectomy is low. A hysterectomy may significantly improve symptoms, such as pain in the pelvis or irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding.
A hysterectomy causes periods to stop and will prevent a person from being able to become pregnant. Depending on the type of hysterectomy a person receives, they may begin to experience symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
The cost of a hysterectomy can vary depending on the type of hysterectomy a person receives and the surgeon’s method. Other factors also influence the cost of the surgery, such as geographic location and health insurance.
Health insurance may cover some costs of a hysterectomy, depending on the need for the surgery.
As well as understanding the cost, a person may wish to ask a doctor about potential complications of the surgery. A doctor can also discuss what to expect from recovery.