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Iowa

Cost of a Carpal Tunnel Surgery Visit
in Iowa

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Iowa's healthcare costs run approximately 9% below national averages, benefiting patients seeking specialized surgical care across the state's mix of academic medical centers and community hospitals. Carpal Tunnel Surgery patients typically pay between $360.95 and $1,068.38, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $932.70 based on negotiated insurance rates. With 260 active Carpal Tunnel Surgery providers throughout Iowa, patients have access to both urban specialists and regional surgical centers for their treatment needs.

Average

$787

Median

$933

Lowest

$361

Highest

$1,068

Providers

260

National avg: $758Iowa: $787

4% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

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

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$95$2,935$4,753309
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$91$2,938$3,950320
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$85$1,186$1,313296
Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy

29881$452$1,174$1,680311
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$90$1,428$3,082337
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$85$1,304$2,810369
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$85$1,912$3,576341
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$549$1,426$1,627255
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$95$640$705270
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$457$1,131$2,449317
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$85$1,392$3,021333

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.

Top-Rated Hospitals in Iowa

These hospitals in Iowa are top-rated for patient satisfaction. Review data sourced from HCAHPS Patient Survey.

5/5
94% would recommend137 patient surveys
5/5
89% would recommend103 patient surveys
5/5
85% would recommend277 patient surveys
5/5
82% would recommend104 patient surveys
5/5
82% would recommend118 patient surveys

Hospital ratings are based on HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey data published by CMS.

Why Carpal Tunnel Surgery Visit Costs Vary Across Iowa

Iowa's healthcare costs run about 9% below national averages, reflecting the state's lower cost of living and competitive provider market across both urban corridors and agricultural regions. This cost advantage extends to surgical specialties, where patients benefit from efficient regional health systems and less expensive facility overhead.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City concentrate most hand surgery specialists, while rural counties often rely on traveling surgeons or referral relationships with urban centers. This geographic distribution can create cost variations, with rural surgery centers sometimes offering more competitive pricing due to lower overhead expenses.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

UnityPoint Health and MercyOne dominate Iowa's hospital market, operating both hospital-based outpatient departments and standalone surgery centers. Independent ambulatory surgery centers typically charge less than hospital facilities, though insurance network participation varies between these provider types.

Insurance Market Competition in Iowa

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield holds significant market share statewide, with UnitedHealthcare and Aetena providing competition primarily in metropolitan areas. This concentrated market gives dominant insurers stronger negotiating power, generally resulting in more standardized rates across providers.

Physician Supply and Demand in Iowa

With 260 active providers performing carpal tunnel procedures, Iowa maintains adequate surgical capacity relative to its population of 3.2 million residents. This healthy supply-to-demand ratio helps keep pricing competitive and wait times reasonable, particularly for routine outpatient procedures.

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 Iowa

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

Self-pay patients in Iowa typically pay between $360.95 and $1,068.38 for carpal tunnel surgery, with a median cost of $932.70. These rates reflect what insurance companies have negotiated with providers, though many surgeons offer cash-pay discounts of 10-30% for uninsured patients. Costs vary based on facility type, with independent surgery centers often charging less than hospital-based outpatient departments.

Does Iowa Medicaid cover Carpal Tunnel Surgery visits?

Yes, Iowa's expanded Medicaid program covers medically necessary carpal tunnel surgery when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. Coverage typically requires documented nerve conduction studies and evidence of failed non-surgical treatments like splinting or steroid injections. Prior authorization may be required, and patients should verify their surgeon participates in Iowa Medicaid before scheduling.

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

Compare costs between hospital-based outpatient departments and independent ambulatory surgery centers, as the latter often charge significantly less. Ask about self-pay discounts, payment plans, and financing options if you're uninsured or have a high deductible. Community health centers in Iowa may offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some providers participate in healthcare lending programs.

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

Initial surgical consultations typically cost more than follow-up visits due to the comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning involved. New patient visits often include detailed examination, review of imaging studies, and surgical planning discussions. Follow-up appointments for post-operative care or treatment adjustments are usually shorter and less expensive, though specific costs depend on your insurance plan's specialist copay structure.

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

Yes, carpal tunnel surgery consultations and procedures qualify as eligible medical expenses for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. You can use these pre-tax dollars for surgeon fees, facility costs, anesthesia fees, and related medical supplies. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes, as the IRS considers these treatments qualified medical expenses.

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

Telemedicine consultations typically cost less than in-person visits and are widely accepted by Iowa insurers for initial evaluations and follow-up care. However, physical examination is usually necessary for surgical planning, so virtual visits work best for preliminary consultations or post-operative check-ins. Many Iowa surgeons offer hybrid approaches, using telehealth to reduce overall treatment costs while maintaining quality care.

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