Knee Replacement Cost in Duluth, MN (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay
What does a knee replacement cost in Duluth, MN?
You could pay $2,201 or $5,831 for the same knee replacement in Duluth, MN - depending entirely on which facility you choose. The median cash price across 4 reporting hospitals is $3,882. This data comes directly from hospital price transparency files published under federal law.
Where knee replacement costs vary in Duluth, MN
Pins show hospitals with price-transparency data (colored by vs. state average) and nearby ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, and other facilities (colored by type). Click any pin for facility name and estimated cost range.
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A knee replacement is four separate bills - and physical therapy, the longest of any joint replacement, is billed per visit.
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Cheapest Knee Replacement Providers in Duluth, MN
Based on declared cash/self-pay prices from CMS hospital price transparency files.
| # | Facility | City | Price | vs Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essentia Health Duluth | Essentia Health Duluth, MN | $2,210 | -$1,672 |
| 2 | Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital | Duluth, MN | $5,553 | +$1,671 |
| 3 | Essentia Health St Marys Hospital-Superior | MN | $8,335 | +$4,453 |
Prices are declared self-pay rates. Contact each facility for a formal quote before scheduling.
Quick take
- Essentia Health Duluth is the lowest-cost option at $2,210 - $1,672 below the state median, just by choosing where you go.
- Ask for the cash price if your deductible isn't met - the median cash price here is $3,882, and it's often lower than what insurance pays before your deductible is satisfied.
- This dataset covers hospitals only - freestanding ASCs, which routinely run 30-60% cheaper for the same procedure, aren't included, so it's worth asking your doctor whether one is an option.
Mayo Clinic anchors Rochester and draws referral patients from across the Upper Midwest, with pricing that reflects its tertiary-care market position. Allina Health and M Health Fairview (University of Minnesota) compete in the Twin Cities. Minnesota has a reputation for efficient care delivery, but that efficiency doesn't necessarily translate to lower commercial prices in a concentrated market. Knee replacement is a high-cost elective procedure where facility selection has an outsized impact on total cost. Hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgery center rates for knee replacement have converged on outcomes but diverged further on price - ASC rates are typically 30–50% below hospital rates for the same implant and surgeon. Medicare Advantage plans increasingly direct patients to designated bundled-payment facilities where your out-of-pocket liability is capped.
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Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage
Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $3,882 versus $2,120 inpatient, so where a procedure happens often matters more than which hospital you pick. Setting drives most of the spread here: an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) is usually meaningfully cheaper than a hospital operating room for the same procedure, when your case qualifies.
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.
| Your situation | Estimated out-of-pocket |
|---|---|
| Deductible not yet met | ~$3,882 |
| Deductible met - 20% coinsurance | ~$776 |
| Out-of-network provider | $8,540+ |
Frequently asked questions: knee replacement costs in Duluth, MN
How much does a knee replacement cost in Duluth, MN?
Across 4 Duluth, MN hospitals that publish prices, a knee replacement ranges from $2,120 to $8,335, with a median of $3,882. Most facilities fall between $2,188 and $5,831. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.
Where is the cheapest place to get a knee replacement in Duluth, MN?
Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our Duluth, MN data is Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet at about $2,120. 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 knee replacement so much cheaper at some Duluth, MN hospitals?
Prices vary up to 3.9× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In Duluth, MN, the median cash (self-pay) price is $3,882 versus a median negotiated rate of $1,108 - about 3.5× 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 knee replacement in Duluth, MN?
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.
Before you book
- How to read your medical bill
- How to stop medical bill problems before they start
- How to negotiate your medical bills
- Allowed amount vs negotiated rate: what your EOB is really saying
- How to read an EOB line by line
Other procedures in Duluth, MN
Knee Replacement, elsewhere
What matters before you schedule
ASC vs. hospital
Hospital outpatient departments typically charge 2-4x more than ASCs or independent centers for the same knee replacement - same outcome, very different bill. Call ahead and ask for a self-pay or cash quote at each setting you're considering.
What's on your bill
A knee replacement involves multiple providers who bill separately - typically ASC Facility Fee, Orthopedic Surgeon Professional Fee, Anesthesia. Check each line item against your Explanation of Benefits to catch billing errors.
Cost by type
Which type your doctor orders for this knee replacement changes the billing code, and what you pay. For example: A recognized variation that can change the billing code and what you owe.
What to ask before you book
Get the CPT code from your doctor, confirm every provider involved (not just the facility) is in-network, ask for the cash-pay rate if you're uninsured or haven't met your deductible, and request a written estimate for knee replacement before you schedule.
CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).
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About the Author
John Caruso, FSA, MAAA
Healthcare actuary with 20+ years of experience in insurance pricing, medical billing systems, and healthcare cost analytics.
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