Appendectomy Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $15,000 (range: $5,000–$35,000)
- Insurance: Usually Covered — Appendectomy is almost always covered as medically necessary emergency surgery.
- Recovery: 7–21 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a small organ in your abdomen. This is most often performed when appendicitis occurs, affecting nearly 9% of males and 7% of females in their lifetime. If left untreated, an inflamed appendix can rupture, leading to serious complications.
Facility fees typically account for a large portion of the total cost, covering the use of the operating room and recovery areas. Anesthesia and the surgeon's professional fee also significantly contribute to the overall expense. These costs can vary based on location and the complexity of your case.
Consider having your procedure performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) instead of a hospital when appropriate. Shifting outpatient procedures to ASCs can significantly reduce spending. Like appendectomy, gallbladder removal is a common emergency abdominal surgery with a similar cost structure. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a appendectomy procedure at the national average price point.
Appendectomy Cost by State
Geographic location plays a significant role — cost-of-living adjustments, regional demand for top specialists, and facility competition all affect pricing.
5 Cheapest States
- Mississippi $13,275-11.5%
- West Virginia $13,470-10.2%
- Alabama $13,575-9.5%
- Arkansas $13,680-8.8%
- Missouri $13,770-8.2%
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $17,460+16.4%
- California $16,995+13.3%
- New York $16,920+12.8%
- Massachusetts $16,725+11.5%
- District of Columbia $16,575+10.5%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Appendectomy Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $13,575 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $16,305 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $15,120 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $13,680 | -8.8% |
| California | $16,995 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $15,780 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $16,470 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $15,375 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $16,575 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $15,045 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $14,700 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $17,460 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $14,580 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $15,180 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $14,370 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $14,325 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $14,220 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $13,845 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $13,980 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $15,570 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $16,020 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $16,725 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $14,925 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $15,525 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $13,275 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $13,770 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $14,625 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $14,475 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $15,075 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $15,825 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $16,425 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $14,070 | -6.2% |
| New York | $16,920 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $14,820 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $14,280 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $14,745 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $13,920 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $16,125 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $15,270 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $15,720 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $14,025 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $14,520 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $14,130 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $14,430 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $14,880 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $15,675 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $15,480 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $16,080 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $13,470 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $14,970 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $14,175 | -5.5% |
Primary Pricing Factors
Three variables explain most of the cost variation you'll see across the same procedure.
The Road to Results
Recovery is an investment of time. Understanding the phases helps you plan downtime and set expectations.
Before your appendectomy, you'll have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and your medical history. You may need blood tests and imaging to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis. Your doctor will advise you on which medications to stop or start before surgery.
On the day of your appendectomy, you'll receive general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep during the 30-60 minute procedure. Typically, the surgeon will use a laparoscopic approach, making small incisions in your abdomen to remove the appendix.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, expect to experience some pain and grogginess as you recover from anesthesia. Pain medication will help manage any discomfort. You'll likely stay in the hospital for a day or two. Full recovery usually takes 1-3 weeks. Plan to take time off work or school and avoid strenuous activities during this time. Don't forget to arrange for a ride home from the hospital and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
Paying for Appendectomy
Usually Covered by InsuranceAppendectomy is almost always covered as medically necessary emergency surgery.
Financing Options
- Medical credit cards — CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit offer 0% APR for 12-24 months on appendectomy
- Surgeon payment plans — many appendectomy providers split the $15,000 into 6-12 monthly installments with no interest
- HSA / FSA funds — medically necessary appendectomy qualifies for pre-tax health savings, effectively saving 20-35%
- Personal medical loans — Prosper Healthcare Lending and LightStream offer fixed-rate loans with no prepayment penalties
- Cash-pay discounts — paying the full amount upfront often saves 10-20% off the quoted price