CMS Price Transparency Data

Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic)

Facility: Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Billing Code: 47562 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 47562
Insurance Median: $14,647
Cash Discount Price: $22,094
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic) at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is $14,647. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $22,094. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $6,176.47, this hospital’s rate is 2.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 N Westmoreland Road, Lake Forest, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$22,094

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$14,647

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$6,176.47

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $6,176.47 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $22,094 (358%)

Insurance Median: $14,647 (237%)

Cash: $22,094 (358% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $14,647 (237% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6,176.47 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 237% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 137%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$3,752	61%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$4,790 - $22,604	78%
UnitedHealthcare	$7,055 - $22,604	114%
Cigna	$8,522 - $14,647	138%
Healthlink [125]	$11,302	183%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$14,444 - $20,344	234%
The Alliance [1703]	$14,519	235%
Beechstreet [176]	$18,083	293%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$18,083 - $22,604	293%
First Health Plan [6034]	$18,535	300%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $22,094.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 47562.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 47562.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.