How Much Does a Biopsy Cost in the U.S.?

The average cost of a biopsy in the United States ranges from $350 to over $17,000. The actual cost depends on the type of procedure, insurance plan, and medical facility.

According to the latest research, the cancer biopsy market in the United States is projected to exceed $29.34 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 11.13% from 2024 to 2033.

Being one of the most important medical procedures for early cancer detection, a biopsy plays a critical role in confirming diagnoses and guiding treatment decisions. However,  its cost can vary significantly.

 

This report analyzes the average cost of a biopsy in U.S. hospitals, using popular procedure types as an example.

 

*All data is aggregated from the AllClinics platform.

Factors Influencing CT Scan Imaging Cost

The cost of a biopsy reflects a combination of the procedure complexity, medical expertise, diagnostic technology, and insurance factors.

 

  • Type of biopsy: Needle biopsy is generally less expensive than surgical and image-guided biopsies, as those procedures are more complex and require additional equipment and resources.
  • Body area being examined: Superficial areas, such as the skin and breast, are usually less expensive, while hard-to-reach organs, such as the brain, liver, or lungs, require advanced imaging and monitoring.
  • Medical facility type: Hospitals are usually the most expensive option due to equipment costs and administrative fees compared to outpatient clinics or doctors' offices.
  • Geo location: Costs can vary significantly by state, and even by city.
  • Insurance: Insurance can dramatically reduce the cost of a biopsy, but the exact amount you pay depends on your plan details.
  • Follow-up services: Consultations, imaging, and lab work can increase the total biopsy cost.

How Much Does a Biopsy Cost with Insurance​?

A biopsy is usually covered by health insurance in the United States if the case falls under the following:

 

  • It’s medically necessary
  • It’s ordered by a healthcare provider
  • It’s performed by an in-network provider 

 

However, you may still have out-of-pocket expenses depending on your plan (deductible, copay, coinsurance, etc.).

How Much Does a Biopsy Cost without Insurance​?

Lack of insurance increases the price of a biopsy by more than 10 times. Below, you’ll find the average prices for common biopsy types, based on data from 368 U.S. hospitals.

 

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CPT Code

Procedure Name

Min Price

Max Price

20200

Muscle biopsy, superficial

$261.44

$4,113.83

20205

Muscle biopsy, deep

$398.17

$5,172.60

20220

Biopsy, bone; trocar or needle, superficial

$536.10

$6,113.72

20225

Biopsy, bone; trocar or needle, deep

$653.84

$8,137.34

47000

Biopsy of liver, percutaneous needle

$844.06

$9,133.57

38505

Needle biopsy of lymph node(s)

$388.40

$5,109.30

Average biopsy cost without insurance

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AllClinics collects publicly available data from medical centers and trusted sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The data is carefully checked and updated quarterly to ensure its accuracy and reliability. With AllClinics, you get access to over 4,500 licensed medical facilities in the U.S., each with detailed information on procedures, pricing, and more.

 

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