How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost in the U.S. in 2025?

Appendectomy (appendix removal) is one of the most common emergency procedures in the U.S., with over 300,000 operations performed annually. Most often, it’s required to treat acute inflammation of the appendix. Still, it may also be indicated for appendiceal tumors, serious abdominal injuries, or as a precaution during other surgical procedures.

This report analyzes the average costs of appendicitis operations across U.S. hospitals, comparing expenses for patients with and without insurance.

*All data is aggregated from the AllClinics platform. 

What Factors Influence the Appendicitis Operation Price

Appendix operation prices can vary widely, not only by hospital or geographic location, but also due to factors related to the surgical method and individual patient characteristics. Key aspects that may influence the price include the following:

Type of Surgery

Different types of appendectomy have varying costs. Open surgery may involve lower supply expenses but often requires longer operating times, increased pain management, and extended hospitalization. In contrast, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted appendectomy generally has higher upfront costs due to specialized equipment, but it’s typically associated with faster recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Severity of Condition

If the appendix has ruptured or complications such as infection, abscess, or peritonitis occur, treatment costs increase due to the need for additional care. This may involve intravenous antibiotics, drainage procedures, more complex surgery, and an extended hospital stay.

Anesthesia Type and Duration

General anesthesia is standard for appendectomy, and its cost depends partly on the duration of surgery. Longer or more complex operations require higher doses of anesthetic and extended monitoring by the anesthesia team.

Hospital or Facility Type

Teaching hospitals, large urban hospitals, and specialty surgical centers tend to charge more. Smaller, rural hospitals may have lower base fees, but sometimes have less capacity for advanced procedures.

Insurance Status

Insurance plays a crucial role in the cost of the operation for a specific patient. This includes what insurance the patient has, whether the provider is in-network, what deductibles/copays/coinsurance apply, and more.

Patient-Specific Factors

A patient’s age, overall health, existing conditions (such as obesity, diabetes, or a weakened immune system), and history of previous surgeries can make the operation and recovery more complicated. 

How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost with Insurance?

The average appendectomy cost with insurance​ is $7,182.37 based on data from 142 hospitals.*

*The average cost is calculated based on three CPT codes for appendectomy, reflecting varying levels of procedural complexity: 44950, 44960, and 44970. 

The insured price represents the median across multiple insurance plans that cover the procedure; actual costs may vary depending on the specific CPT and insurance plan.

How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost Without Insurance?

The average cost of an appendectomy without insurance​ is $10,301,36 based on data from 142 hospitals.*

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