Cholecystectomy Cost in Fort Smith, AR (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay

What does a cholecystectomy cost in Fort Smith, AR?

The same cholecystectomy in Fort Smith, AR might cost you $2,265 at one facility and $5,863 at another - the building you walk into drives the difference. The median cash price across 4 reporting hospitals is $3,777. These figures come straight from hospital price transparency files published under federal law.

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield dominates commercial insurance contracting statewide, creating relatively uniform negotiated rates across most major health systems. UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) and Baptist Health anchor the major institutional tiers; rural Arkansas has extensive critical access hospital coverage where cash prices may be higher than urban facilities despite lower local costs. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is one of the most common ambulatory surgeries in the US, and facility type is the single biggest cost lever - ambulatory surgery centers charge 40–60% less than hospital outpatient departments for identical outcomes. Most commercial payers require prior authorization, and the surgeon and anesthesiologist bill separately from the facility, so confirming all three providers are in-network prevents unexpected out-of-network charges.

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Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage

Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $3,777 versus $6,646 inpatient (about 1.8× more), so where a procedure happens often matters more than which hospital you pick.

None of the prices above are what you'll necessarily owe: your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and each provider's network status all still apply.

Frequently asked questions: cholecystectomy costs in Fort Smith, AR

How much does a cholecystectomy cost in Fort Smith, AR?

Across 4 Fort Smith, AR hospitals that publish prices, a cholecystectomy ranges from $2,199 to $11,092, with a median of $3,777. Most facilities fall between $2,254 and $5,863. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.

Where is the cheapest place to get a cholecystectomy in Fort Smith, AR?

Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our Fort Smith, AR data is LEFLORE COUNTY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY in Poteau at about $2,199. Freestanding ambulatory surgery and imaging centers are often cheaper still and may not appear in hospital price data - ask your doctor whether one is an option.

Why is a cholecystectomy so much cheaper at some Fort Smith, AR hospitals?

Prices vary up to 5× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In Fort Smith, AR, the median cash (self-pay) price is $5,282 versus a median negotiated rate of $413 - about 12.8× higher. Asking for the cash price or your insurer's negotiated rate is often the single biggest lever on what you pay.

How much will I actually pay out of pocket for a cholecystectomy in Fort Smith, AR?

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether the facility is in-network - not just the sticker price. If you have not met your deductible, you will typically pay the negotiated rate in full until you do. Use the CostKits cost forecaster to estimate your specific out-of-pocket amount before you go.

CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).