Cholecystectomy Cost in Washington, DC (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay

What does a cholecystectomy cost in Washington, DC?

You could pay $1,708 or $3,469 for the same cholecystectomy in Washington, DC - depending entirely on which facility you choose. The median cash price across 20 reporting hospitals is $2,487. This data comes directly from hospital price transparency files published under federal law.

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

A small number of hospitals (2) report prices above $6,250, including DOMINION HOSPITAL at $12,893, which drives most of the overall spread - excluding them, most facilities cluster in a much tighter band. Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $2,006 versus $2,968 inpatient (about 1.5× 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 Washington, DC

How much does a cholecystectomy cost in Washington, DC?

Across 20 Washington, DC hospitals that publish prices, a cholecystectomy ranges from $61 to $12,893, with a median of $2,487. Most facilities fall between $1,615 and $3,469. 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 Washington, DC?

Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our Washington, DC data is Fauquier Health at about $61. By metro, Fredericksburg has the lowest median ($3,135). 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 Washington, DC hospitals?

Prices vary up to 211.4× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In Washington, DC, the median cash (self-pay) price is $3,135 versus a median negotiated rate of $1,081 - about 2.9× 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 Washington, DC?

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).