Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) Cost in 2026
Understanding the Investment
- National average: $12,000 (range: $5,000–$20,000)
- Insurance: Usually Covered — Covered by virtually all insurance plans as medically necessary for...
- Recovery: 7–21 days typical downtime
- Biggest cost driver: Facility type — outpatient centers can be 30–50% less than hospitals
Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is a common surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, often due to gallstones or inflammation. Over 700,000 gallbladder removals are performed each year in the US, with most being laparoscopic.
The facility fee, covering the surgical center or hospital's charges, and the surgeon's professional fee are significant cost drivers. Anesthesia and surgical supplies also contribute substantially to the overall price, though these are often bundled into the facility fee.
Consider having your procedure done at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) rather than a hospital, as ASCs often have lower facility fees. Incisional hernias sometimes develop after abdominal surgery — see our hernia repair cost guide if this applies. Confirm all costs with your provider before scheduling.
Where does your money go?
Typical allocation for a gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) procedure at the national average price point.
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) 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 $10,620-11.5%
- West Virginia $10,776-10.2%
- Alabama $10,860-9.5%
- Arkansas $10,944-8.8%
- Missouri $11,016-8.2%
5 Most Expensive States
- Hawaii $13,968+16.4%
- California $13,596+13.3%
- New York $13,536+12.8%
- Massachusetts $13,380+11.5%
- District of Columbia $13,260+10.5%
State-by-State Pricing Atlas
Click any state to see detailed pricing, regional cost factors, and top cities.
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) Cost in All 50 States
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| State ▲▼ | Avg Cost ▲▼ | vs National ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $10,860 | -9.5% |
| Alaska | $13,044 | +8.7% |
| Arizona | $12,096 | +0.8% |
| Arkansas | $10,944 | -8.8% |
| California | $13,596 | +13.3% |
| Colorado | $12,624 | +5.2% |
| Connecticut | $13,176 | +9.8% |
| Delaware | $12,300 | +2.5% |
| District of Columbia | $13,260 | +10.5% |
| Florida | $12,036 | +0.3% |
| Georgia | $11,760 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $13,968 | +16.4% |
| Idaho | $11,664 | -2.8% |
| Illinois | $12,144 | +1.2% |
| Indiana | $11,496 | -4.2% |
| Iowa | $11,460 | -4.5% |
| Kansas | $11,376 | -5.2% |
| Kentucky | $11,076 | -7.7% |
| Louisiana | $11,184 | -6.8% |
| Maine | $12,456 | +3.8% |
| Maryland | $12,816 | +6.8% |
| Massachusetts | $13,380 | +11.5% |
| Michigan | $11,940 | -0.5% |
| Minnesota | $12,420 | +3.5% |
| Mississippi | $10,620 | -11.5% |
| Missouri | $11,016 | -8.2% |
| Montana | $11,700 | -2.5% |
| Nebraska | $11,580 | -3.5% |
| Nevada | $12,060 | +0.5% |
| New Hampshire | $12,660 | +5.5% |
| New Jersey | $13,140 | +9.5% |
| New Mexico | $11,256 | -6.2% |
| New York | $13,536 | +12.8% |
| North Carolina | $11,856 | -1.2% |
| North Dakota | $11,424 | -4.8% |
| Ohio | $11,796 | -1.7% |
| Oklahoma | $11,136 | -7.2% |
| Oregon | $12,900 | +7.5% |
| Pennsylvania | $12,216 | +1.8% |
| Rhode Island | $12,576 | +4.8% |
| South Carolina | $11,220 | -6.5% |
| South Dakota | $11,616 | -3.2% |
| Tennessee | $11,304 | -5.8% |
| Texas | $11,544 | -3.8% |
| Utah | $11,904 | -0.8% |
| Vermont | $12,540 | +4.5% |
| Virginia | $12,384 | +3.2% |
| Washington | $12,864 | +7.2% |
| West Virginia | $10,776 | -10.2% |
| Wisconsin | $11,976 | -0.2% |
| Wyoming | $11,340 | -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 gallbladder removal, you'll have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss the procedure and your medical history. You’ll likely need blood tests and imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take, as some may need to be stopped a week or two before surgery.
On the day of your cholecystectomy, you'll receive general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the 30–90 minute procedure. Most gallbladder removals are performed laparoscopically, using small incisions. After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room. Expect some pain and grogginess as the anesthesia wears off. You'll need someone to drive you home.
The first 24-48 hours involve managing pain with prescribed medication. Full recovery typically takes 1–3 weeks. You can usually return to light activities within a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. Plan for time off work. You might experience some digestive changes initially, but this usually improves. Don't forget to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to monitor your progress.
Paying for Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
Usually Covered by InsuranceCovered by virtually all insurance plans as medically necessary for symptomatic gallstones or gallbladder disease.
Financing Options
- Promotional financing — CareCredit's 24-month 0% APR plan is the most common way patients finance gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
- Provider installment plans — many practices let you start payments before surgery and continue after, spreading out the cost
- Tax-advantaged accounts — paying $12,000 through your HSA/FSA saves you 20-35% versus after-tax dollars
- Cash discounts — surgeons prefer upfront payment and often reduce the price by 10-20% for cash-pay patients
- Charitable care programs — some nonprofit surgical organizations offer reduced-cost procedures for qualifying patients