Hysterectomy for non-cancer reasons, no complications in San Francisco, CA: hospital prices

MS-DRG 743 is the inpatient stay for removal of the uterus, and sometimes the ovaries and tubes, for benign conditions such as fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis or prolapse, without complications. Laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies are increasingly done as same-day or one-night stays.

What the price covers

The DRG price is the hospital's charge for the whole stay: operating room, room and board, nursing, medications and supplies. The gynecologic surgeon, the anesthesiologist and pathology bill separately. An outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy is billed with CPT codes (58571 and others), often at a lower price than the inpatient DRG.

Why prices vary

Hysterectomy prices vary two to four times between hospitals in the same area. The surgical approach (abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal) matters: vaginal is usually cheapest, robotic most expensive. Large systems and academic centers list the highest charges.

Questions to ask

• What is the self-pay price for DRG 743, and what do surgeon, anesthesia and pathology add?
• Which approach is planned, and would a less expensive one be appropriate?
• Can it be done as an outpatient, and at what price?