Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in North Carolina (2026)

Near the US median for knee replacement surgery pricing · NC

North Carolina Average
$34,580
Typical Range
$19,760 – $49,400
National Average
$35,000
▼ -1.2% below national average

Knee Replacement Surgery in North Carolina: What to Know

North Carolina offers diverse options for knee replacement surgery. UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh leads the Triangle area in total joint replacements, recognized as a Blue Distinction Center. For robotic-assisted surgery, North Carolina Specialty Hospital in Durham offers MAKOplasty and CORI systems, performing over 1,000 hip and knee procedures annually. Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst utilizes the ROSA® Knee System, with 93% of their 1,300+ annual knee replacements being outpatient procedures.

Consider Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) in North Carolina for significantly lower costs, often 40% less than hospital outpatient departments, and lower infection rates. The Nash Joint Replacement Center in Rocky Mount is a Blue Distinction Center+ for its quality and lower readmission rates. EmergeOrtho, with 37 locations, provides statewide access to advanced techniques. Verify current pricing directly with providers.

Estimated Cost Breakdown in North Carolina

North Carolina sits near the middle of the pack for knee replacement surgery pricing. The cost components typically split like this.

ComponentEstimated Range
Facility Fee $7,261 - $13,486
Surgeon Fee $7,261 - $13,486
Implants Supplies $3,630 - $6,743
Post Op Care $3,630 - $6,743
Anesthesia $2,421 - $4,495
Total Estimated Cost $19,760 – $49,400

Based on CMS Medicare data and regional price parities. Learn about our methodology →

Ranges adjusted for North Carolina's regional price parity (98.8). See the national percentage breakdown →

Facility Costs in North Carolina

You can get knee replacement surgery at hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers across North Carolina. The table below shows real negotiated rates from CMS Medicare data — not sticker prices.

Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Rex Hospital Raleigh $12,310 $10,710 1,164
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington $12,745 $11,142 798
Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health Charlotte $12,151 $10,549 621
Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital Pinehurst $12,210 $10,610 614
Memorial Mission Hospital And Asheville Surgery Ce Asheville $11,597 $9,993 598
Cone Health Greensboro $12,177 $10,576 573
Carolina East Medical Center New Bern $12,551 $10,948 561
North Carolina Specialty Hospital Durham $12,472 $10,871 526
Margaret R Pardee Memorial Hospital Hendersonville $11,415 $9,808 467
Duke University Hospital Durham $12,506 $10,906 454
Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Winston-Salem $14,143 $12,464 309
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington $15,613 $13,681 301
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Charlotte $14,384 $12,725 249
Memorial Mission Hospital And Asheville Surgery Ce Asheville $15,239 $12,348 142
Carteret General Hospital Morehead City $15,946 $13,878 125
Duke University Hospital Durham $19,986 $16,004 104
Cone Health Greensboro $16,076 $12,662 95
Margaret R Pardee Memorial Hospital Hendersonville $12,721 $10,883 94
Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health Charlotte $22,596 $13,990 86
Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital Pinehurst $13,403 $11,823 86

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Neighboring States

Knee Replacement Surgery pricing varies across the region. Here's how North Carolina stacks up against its neighbors.

Knee Replacement Surgery in North Carolina: Common Questions

How much does knee replacement surgery cost in North Carolina?
The average cost of knee replacement surgery in North Carolina is $34,580. Prices typically range from $19,760 to $49,400, depending on the facility, provider, and your specific case.
Does insurance cover knee replacement surgery?
Yes — knee replacement surgery is generally covered by insurance in North Carolina when your doctor documents medical necessity. Expect to pay your deductible and copay, but the bulk of the $34,580 cost should be covered by your plan.
What's the recovery time for knee replacement surgery?
Expect 42 to 120 days before you're fully back to normal after knee replacement surgery. Recovery milestones vary by patient, but most people in North Carolina find they can handle light errands by day 42 and resume exercise around day 120. Your surgeon's post-op protocol will give you a more personalized timeline.
How can I finance knee replacement surgery in North Carolina?
You have several options to cover the $34,580 average in North Carolina. Third-party financing (CareCredit, Alphaeon) offers 0% intro APR periods up to 24 months. Many surgeons also accept direct payment plans or offer discounts of 10-20% for paying in full upfront.
How do I compare knee replacement surgery facilities in North Carolina?
Start with case volume — facilities that perform more procedures generally have better outcomes. In North Carolina, also compare hospital vs. ambulatory surgery center pricing (ASCs can be 30-50% cheaper) and check whether your insurance network includes the facility.
Is it worth traveling to another state for knee replacement surgery?
Crossing into South Carolina could save you $1,855 on knee replacement surgery. That's $32,725 vs. North Carolina's $34,580. The key logistics to sort out: does your insurance cover South Carolina providers, and can your North Carolina doctor handle follow-up care after the procedure?
Can Medicaid help pay for knee replacement surgery in North Carolina?
If knee replacement surgery is deemed medically necessary, North Carolina's Medicaid program may cover it partially or fully. You'll need your doctor to submit documentation to your plan. Elective cases without a medical justification are generally not covered.

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