Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic)
Facility: Meade District Hospital
Billing Code: 47562 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 47562
- Insurance Median: $8,554
- Cash Discount Price: $5,791
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.38x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $8,554 | 138% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the gallbladder removal (laparoscopic) procedure at Meade District Hospital in Meade, KS, the cash price is $5,791.00, which matches the facility's median cash rate. This cash amount is significantly lower than the negotiated rate of $8,554.00 paid by Blue Cross Blue Shield, the single payer listed for this service. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by the Government - Hospital District or Authority, patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find paying the cash price more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. It is important to note that while the facility is in-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield, patients should still verify their specific plan details and ask the hospital directly about any available "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final cost.
When evaluating the cost of this service, it is essential to compare rates against the Medicare benchmark rather than the hospital's gross charges. The Medicare amount for this procedure is $6,176.47, which serves as a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of delivery. Although the data provided does not include specific state or county average comparisons for this code, the Medicare rate offers a reliable reference point to understand the facility's pricing structure. Patients should be aware that commercial negotiated rates often include administrative overhead and contract dynamics that can inflate the price relative to the Medicare baseline. To ensure transparency and avoid unexpected costs, consumers should request a full itemized bill to review specific CPT codes and unit costs, rather than accepting summary invoices that may obscure individual charges. If any discrepancies are