How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in the U.S.?
More than 25 million Americans are affected by cataracts, and that number is expected to double to over 50 million by 2050. It’s no wonder cataract surgery ranks among the most common procedures in the U.S., with nearly 4 million performed each year.
This report analyzes the average costs of cataract surgery across U.S. hospitals, comparing expenses for patients with and without insurance.
*All data is aggregated from the AllClinics platform.
What factors affect the cataract surgery cost?
Several factors drive the cost of cataract surgery. Related treatments and follow-up care can also raise the overall price. The main factors include:
- Insurance coverage: Medicare and most insurance plans cover standard cataract surgery, but not elective upgrades like premium lenses or laser-assisted techniques.
- Surgical technique: Laser-assisted surgery usually costs more than traditional cataract surgery.
- Surgeon’s experience and reputation: Highly experienced or in-demand surgeons may charge higher fees.
- Geographic location: Prices vary depending on the region and whether the clinic is in a large metropolitan area or a smaller town.
- Facility type: Surgery performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center, or a private clinic may differ in cost.
- Additional testing or procedures: Pre- or post-surgical tests, follow-up visits, or treatment for complications can add to the total expense.
Does health insurance cover the cost of cataract surgery?
Yes, most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover standard cataract surgery with a basic intraocular lens when it’s considered medically necessary. However, upgrades such as premium lenses or laser-assisted techniques are usually not covered and may require out-of-pocket costs.
How much does cataract surgery cost with insurance?
The average cataract surgery cost with insurance is $1,653.22 based on data from 71 U.S. hospitals.*
Hospital | State | City | Zip | Avg cost |
Columbia Memorial Hospital-Astoria | OR | Astoria | 97103 | $3,079.73 |
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset | NJ | Somerville | 08876 | $2,669.55 |
Ohio Valley Surgical Hospital | OH | Springfield | 45502 | $2,586.53 |
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lakeway | TX | Austin | 78738 | $2,583.62 |
Baylor Scott and White Continuing Care Hospital-Temple | TX | Temple | 76502 | $2,548.92 |
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway | NJ | Rahway | 07065 | $2,464.20 |
Community Hospital-Tallassee | AL | Tallassee | 36078 | $2,412.00 |
Pershing General Hospital | NV | Lovelock | 89419 | $2,296.10 |
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-Taylor | TX | Taylor | 76574 | $2,270.46 |
Unity Hospital | NY | Rochester | 14626 | $2,205.17 |
How much does cataract surgery cost without insurance?
The average cost of cataract surgery in the U.S. without insurance is $5,162.73, based on data from 71 U.S. hospitals.* This way, the average cost of cataract surgery without insurance can be up to three times higher than with insurance coverage.
*The average cost is calculated based on three CPT codes for extracapsular cataract extraction, reflecting varying levels of procedural complexity: 66984, 66982, and 66983. 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.
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