Logo
Alaska

Cost of a Carpal Tunnel Surgery Visit
in Alaska

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Alaska's unique geography creates significant healthcare cost variations, with Carpal Tunnel Surgery procedures typically 35% above national averages due to provider scarcity and remote locations. Patients typically pay between $364 and $1,957 for Carpal Tunnel Surgery, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $561 based on actual insurer negotiated rates. Alaska has 34 active Carpal Tunnel Surgery providers serving the state's dispersed population, and patients can browse all providers to find the most affordable options near them.

Average

$961

Median

$561

Lowest

$364

Highest

$1,957

Providers

34

National avg: $758Alaska: $961

27% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does carpal tunnel surgery compare to related procedures in Alaska?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$1,136$1,871$6,45035
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$1,137$1,818$6,29239
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$85$697$2,13550
Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy

29881$80$80$1,127352
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$80$80$913359
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$80$80$1,339374
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$85$1,023$4,19151
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$80$80$1,251351
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$85$372$76848
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$440$684$2,33837
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$85$838$2,90252

Important: These are cost estimates only — not a quote and not medical advice.

The prices on this page are self-pay rates, drawn from federal Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files (CPT 64721Neuroplasty and/or transposition; median nerve at carpal tunnel). They represent what a patient might pay without insurance.

Your actual cost depends on: your specific insurance plan, your remaining deductible, your coinsurance percentage, whether you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, whether the facility and provider are both in-network, and any separate anesthesia or implant fees billed independently.

This page does not constitute medical advice. Whether you need this procedure, and which approach is right for you, is a decision to make with a licensed healthcare provider.

Where this data comes from & what CPT 64721 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 64721 (Neuroplasty and/or transposition; median nerve at carpal tunnel), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 64721 covers: the provider's professional fee for carpal tunnel surgery. It does not include facility/hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, post-operative care, or any add-on codes billed separately.

How to read this data

Negotiated Rate

The discounted price an insurer has agreed to pay a specific provider. Most insured patients' bills are calculated from this number, not the higher list price hospitals publish separately.

P5, Median, P95

P5 is the rate at the 5th percentile (low end), Median is the middle value, and P95 is the 95th percentile (high end). This range shows how much the same visit can vary between providers.

What this does not tell you

These rates do not tell you what you personally will pay out of pocket. That depends on your specific plan, how much of your deductible you have already met, your coinsurance rate, and whether the provider is in your network. Call your insurer's member line to get your exact estimate.

Why Carpal Tunnel Surgery Visit Costs Vary Across Alaska

Alaska's healthcare costs run approximately 35% above national averages, driven by extreme geographic isolation, limited provider competition, and high operational overhead. The state's vast distances and weather challenges create unique cost pressures for surgical procedures like carpal tunnel release.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Most of Alaska's 34 Carpal Tunnel Surgery providers concentrate in Anchorage and Fairbanks, leaving rural communities with limited local access. Patients from remote areas often face additional travel and lodging costs for surgical procedures. Bush communities may require expensive medical transport to reach qualified hand surgeons.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Alaska's surgical facilities face extreme overhead costs due to equipment shipping expenses, harsh weather conditions, and limited competition. Hospital-based outpatient centers typically charge higher facility fees compared to independent surgery centers. The state's major health systems like Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital dominate the surgical landscape.

Insurance Market Competition in Alaska

Premera Blue Cross holds dominant market share in Alaska's individual and group insurance markets, reducing competitive pressure on negotiated rates. Limited insurer competition allows health systems to maintain higher surgical fees compared to more competitive markets. The concentrated market structure affects both in-network rates and provider choice for patients.

Physician Supply and Demand in Alaska

With only 34 active providers serving Alaska's entire population, carpal tunnel surgery availability is severely constrained compared to national averages. The physician shortage drives up procedure costs and extends wait times for non-urgent cases. Recruiting and retaining surgical specialists requires premium compensation packages that increase overall healthcare costs.

JP

Jayant Panwar

CEO, Momentary Labs · San Francisco, CA

Jayant has analyzed healthcare pricing data from CMS Transparency in Coverage files since 2022, covering more than 50 million negotiated rate records across all 50 states. His work focuses on making insurer machine-readable files accessible to patients and researchers.

The cost figures on this page reflect his ongoing work to make this data accessible to patients.

Healthcare Data AnalyticsCMS TiC DataInsurance Price Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions — Carpal Tunnel Surgery Costs in Alaska

What is the average cost of a Carpal Tunnel Surgery visit in Alaska without insurance?

Without insurance, carpal tunnel surgery in Alaska typically costs between $364 and $1,957, with a median cost of $561 for the surgical procedure alone. These figures reflect actual negotiated rates between insurers and providers, though uninsured patients may face different pricing. Additional costs for anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care can significantly increase the total expense. Many Alaska providers offer cash-pay discounts that can reduce these costs for uninsured patients.

Does Alaska Medicaid cover Carpal Tunnel Surgery visits?

Yes, Alaska expanded Medicaid covers carpal tunnel surgery for eligible residents with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Coverage requires documentation that conservative treatments like splinting and steroid injections have been tried first. Prior authorization is typically required, and the procedure must be deemed medically necessary by a qualified physician. Medicaid covers both the surgical procedure and necessary follow-up care.

How do I find an affordable Carpal Tunnel Surgery near me in Alaska?

Compare costs between independent surgery centers and hospital-based facilities, as independent centers often charge lower facility fees. Ask about self-pay discounts which can reduce costs by 30-50% for uninsured patients. Consider community health centers in Anchorage or Fairbanks for initial evaluation and conservative treatment options. Some providers offer payment plans to help manage the high upfront costs common in Alaska's healthcare market.

What is the difference in cost between an initial consultation and a follow-up visit?

Initial carpal tunnel surgery consultations typically involve comprehensive evaluation, diagnostic testing, and surgical planning, resulting in higher costs than follow-up visits. Follow-up visits focus on wound care, suture removal, and monitoring recovery progress at lower rates. The surgical procedure itself, ranging from $364 to $1,957 in Alaska, represents the major cost component. Pre-operative consultations and post-operative care are usually billed separately from the surgical procedure.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Carpal Tunnel Surgery visit in Alaska?

Yes, carpal tunnel surgery is considered a qualified medical expense eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement. You can use these tax-advantaged accounts for the surgical procedure, related consultations, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications. Travel expenses to reach specialists in Anchorage or other cities may also qualify if documented properly. Keep all receipts and documentation for reimbursement from your HSA or FSA administrator.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Alaska?

Telemedicine consultations typically cost less than in-person visits and can be valuable for initial evaluation and post-operative follow-up care. However, carpal tunnel surgery requires physical examination and in-person surgical procedures, limiting telemedicine's role. Alaska's geographic challenges make telehealth particularly valuable for pre-operative consultations with specialists in distant cities. Many insurers cover telemedicine visits at the same rate as in-person consultations, potentially saving travel costs for rural patients.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$274
$2,063

Office visit (CPT 64721)

Compare With Other States

RankStateAverage
1Wisconsin
Range: $85$5,357
$2,063
2North Dakota
Range: $319$2,591
$1,168
3Rhode Island
Range: $364$1,957
$1,066
4Massachusetts
Range: $338$1,957
$1,005
5Minnesota
Range: $358$1,930
$1,003
6Delaware
Range: $354$1,957
$974
7Georgia
Range: $344$1,930
$973
8West Virginia
Range: $342$2,006
$972
9New York
Range: $320$1,963
$969
10New Jersey
Range: $265$2,119
$968
11Connecticut
Range: $311$1,957
$962
12Alaska
Range: $364$1,957
$961
13Kentucky
Range: $340$1,957
$954
14Pennsylvania
Range: $317$1,957
$937
15District of Columbia
Range: $328$1,686
$917
16Oregon
Range: $90$1,930
$888
17Wyoming
Range: $519$1,358
$865
18Nebraska
Range: $513$1,068
$840
19New Hampshire
Range: $429$1,267
$838
20Washington
Range: $490$1,221
$793
21Iowa
Range: $361$1,068
$787
22California
Range: $80$1,930
$757
23Maine
Range: $519$888
$753
24Utah
Range: $265$988
$728
25North Carolina
Range: $349$1,241
$727
26Colorado
Range: $364$1,110
$701
27New Mexico
Range: $385$1,031
$683
28Illinois
Range: $372$1,070
$679
29Hawaii
Range: $358$1,040
$667
30South Dakota
Range: $296$1,068
$662
31Indiana
Range: $291$1,070
$640
32Vermont
Range: $338$1,053
$637
33Michigan
Range: $359$1,068
$628
34South Carolina
Range: $334$1,030
$610
35Louisiana
Range: $294$979
$593
36Alabama
Range: $294$910
$590
37Missouri
Range: $402$726
$581
38Idaho
Range: $90$1,031
$567
39Virginia
Range: $309$920
$564
40Arkansas
Range: $294$790
$560
41Maryland
Range: $318$920
$552
42Tennessee
Range: $332$804
$546
43Oklahoma
Range: $345$823
$531
44Kansas
Range: $402$670
$526
45Mississippi
Range: $332$826
$520
46Montana
Range: $90$979
$513
47Nevada
Range: $352$746
$512
48Ohio
Range: $268$797
$506
49Texas
Range: $90$895
$484
50Arizona
Range: $352$729
$482
51Florida
Range: $35$733
$274
Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Other States