Cost of thyroidectomy

Answer 1

How much does a thyroidectomy cost?

I had a total thyroidectomy last month and my insurance was just billed $41,000 of which they paid all but my copay on.

Unbelievable. I had no complications other than an echo cardiogram after an abnormal egk post op. I was in the hospital 32 hours.

Answer 2

There are many variables for the answer to this questions some of which are type of cyst, size of cyst, involvement of any structures around the cyst, pre-existing health issues that increase risk factors of surgery, where the excision would take place, such as in a surgical center or as a patient in the hospital, any pre-op lab, EKGs, or other diagnostics, whether anesthesia would be utilized and what type, medications such as the need for an antibiotic prior to surgery, medications during and after, the physician performing the procedure, other possible staff involved, and so forth. To answer the question with the best estimated cost one would need to know more about the who, what, when and where and how type questions. For information related to costs when obtaining estimates for clients I usually have the specifics as provided to me from the physician and patient. Then I check which insurance company would be the payor. Then I would ask the physician if he has preferences for performing the procedure and then I cross reference with other info. Then I would contact at least three surgery centers, if that is where it would take place, for estimates. Remember that cost of health care is difficult to obtain specifics on unless for basic procedures. Patients are all different and therefore what works for one might not be what works for others. What has helped me in the past is to obtain both the diagnostic codes and the procedure codes along with as much data as possible. This sounds extensive but it is not. When checking on things for myself, I have made up a simple form that is specific to me, make copies and obtain at least three estimates, just as I would with my clients. Some information is available from government agencies about reputable centers. Hope this helps.