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Connecticut

Cost of a Cataract Surgery Visit
in Connecticut

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Connecticut's concentration of academic medical centers and specialty eye institutes creates one of the nation's most robust networks of cataract specialists, with over 414 providers offering Cataract Surgery across the state. Based on Transparency in Coverage data, patients typically pay between $70 and $2,134 for cataract procedures, with a median negotiated rate of $678.83. Connecticut residents can browse all active Cataract Surgery providers through our platform to find the most cost-effective options in their area.

Average

$961

Median

$679

Lowest

$70

Highest

$2,135

Providers

414

National avg: $888Connecticut: $961

8% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does cataract surgery compare to related procedures in Connecticut?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$909$1,791$6,051388
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$807$1,720$6,060408
Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy

29881$366$707$2,410395
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$416$848$1,820418
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$361$774$1,590441
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$527$1,116$3,201399
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$432$780$2,160394
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$194$361$742393
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$368$669$1,435384
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$426$836$2,642394
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$311$618$1,957394

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 66984Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens). 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 66984 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 66984 (Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 66984 covers: the provider's professional fee for cataract 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 Connecticut

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

4/5
80% would recommend767 patient surveys
SHARON HOSPITAL

SHARON, CT

4/5
76% would recommend267 patient surveys
4/5
74% would recommend1,054 patient surveys
4/5
74% would recommend678 patient surveys
4/5
73% would recommend415 patient surveys

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

Why Cataract Surgery Visit Costs Vary Across Connecticut

Connecticut's healthcare costs run approximately 14% above national averages, reflecting the state's high cost of living, concentration of academic medical centers, and affluent patient population. The state's compact geography creates intense competition among providers in urban areas while leaving some rural regions with limited specialist access.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Connecticut's Cataract Surgery providers cluster heavily around Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield County, where major health systems and academic centers provide the highest concentration of specialists. Rural areas in the eastern and northwestern parts of the state have fewer options, often requiring patients to travel significant distances for specialized care. This geographic disparity can affect both access and pricing, with urban centers offering more competitive rates due to higher provider density.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Yale New Haven Health System and Hartford Healthcare dominate Connecticut's hospital-based eye surgery market, typically charging premium facility fees that reflect their academic status and advanced equipment. Independent ambulatory surgery centers throughout the state often provide more cost-effective alternatives for routine cataract procedures. Specialized eye institutes like those affiliated with UConn Health offer cutting-edge technology but may carry higher costs for complex cases.

Insurance Market Competition in Connecticut

The presence of major insurers including Anthem, Cigna, and UHC creates robust competition that helps moderate negotiated rates for cataract surgery across Connecticut. The state's relatively small size allows insurers to develop comprehensive provider networks without significant geographic gaps. Strong regulatory oversight and consumer protection laws help maintain competitive pricing while preventing excessive consolidation among providers.

Physician Supply and Demand in Connecticut

With 414 active Cataract Surgery providers serving a population of 3.6 million, Connecticut maintains one of the nation's highest ratios of eye surgeons to residents. This abundant supply creates competitive pressure that helps keep costs reasonable and reduces wait times for routine procedures. The concentration of providers around major medical centers also facilitates second opinions and subspecialty referrals when complex cases require additional expertise.

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 — Cataract Surgery Costs in Connecticut

What is the average cost of a Cataract Surgery visit in Connecticut without insurance?

Based on Transparency in Coverage data, cataract surgery costs in Connecticut range from $70 to $2,134, with a median rate of $678.83. Self-pay patients should expect to pay closer to the higher end of this range, as negotiated insurance rates are typically lower than cash prices. Many Connecticut providers offer self-pay discounts of 20-30% off standard rates, making it important to ask about cash payment options when scheduling.

Does Connecticut Medicaid cover Cataract Surgery visits?

Yes, Connecticut's expanded Medicaid program covers medically necessary cataract surgery, including standard intraocular lens implants and post-operative care. Coverage includes both the surgical procedure and follow-up visits, though patients may face copays depending on their specific Medicaid plan. Premium lens upgrades or advanced surgical techniques may require prior authorization and could result in additional out-of-pocket costs.

How do I find an affordable Cataract Surgery near me in Connecticut?

Compare costs across different facility types, as ambulatory surgery centers often charge less than hospital-based facilities for routine procedures. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured or have a high deductible, and consider community health centers that may offer sliding fee scales. Many Connecticut practices provide cost estimates upfront and offer payment plans to make surgery more affordable.

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

Initial cataract consultations typically involve comprehensive eye examinations and diagnostic testing, while follow-up visits focus on post-operative care and monitoring. Based on the available data showing a median rate of $678.83 for surgical procedures, consultation visits are significantly less expensive, usually ranging from $150-400 depending on the complexity of testing required. Follow-up visits are generally the least expensive, often covered under the global surgical fee for the first 90 days after surgery.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Cataract Surgery visit in Connecticut?

Yes, cataract surgery is considered a qualified medical expense eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement, including consultation visits, surgical procedures, and follow-up care. You can also use these funds for prescription eye drops, transportation to medical appointments, and even premium lens upgrades if recommended by your surgeon. Keep all receipts and documentation for reimbursement purposes, and check with your plan administrator about any specific requirements for claims submission.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Cataract Surgery in Connecticut?

While telemedicine can be useful for initial consultations or post-operative follow-ups, cataract surgery requires in-person examination and surgical intervention. Some Connecticut providers offer virtual consultations for initial assessments or follow-up visits, which may cost $50-150 less than office visits. Telemedicine is particularly valuable for patients in rural areas of Connecticut who need to travel long distances for specialist care, reducing both time and transportation costs.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$351
$3,412

Office visit (CPT 66984)

Compare With Other States

RankStateAverage
1Wisconsin
Range: $80$10,062
$3,412
2Wyoming
Range: $667$2,130
$1,240
3Rhode Island
Range: $448$2,135
$1,181
4Massachusetts
Range: $403$2,078
$1,139
5Montana
Range: $85$2,744
$1,127
6Delaware
Range: $343$2,135
$1,056
7Nebraska
Range: $641$1,313
$1,055
8Washington
Range: $616$1,521
$1,034
9New Hampshire
Range: $528$1,548
$1,023
10New York
Range: $364$2,135
$1,005
11Colorado
Range: $85$2,114
$1,003
12New Mexico
Range: $474$1,551
$982
13Alaska
Range: $85$2,135
$972
14Georgia
Range: $93$2,005
$970
15Connecticut
Range: $70$2,135
$961
16Pennsylvania
Range: $85$2,135
$946
17Maine
Range: $643$1,123
$945
18North Carolina
Range: $390$1,609
$940
19California
Range: $85$1,401
$899
20Nevada
Range: $415$1,453
$892
21District of Columbia
Range: $414$1,311
$871
22Vermont
Range: $403$1,548
$865
23Iowa
Range: $85$1,313
$861
24Oregon
Range: $85$1,687
$858
25North Dakota
Range: $80$1,609
$812
26Mississippi
Range: $430$1,451
$806
27Minnesota
Range: $90$1,548
$800
28Utah
Range: $85$1,209
$791
29New Jersey
Range: $364$1,380
$790
30South Carolina
Range: $327$1,383
$785
31Illinois
Range: $418$1,200
$771
32Alabama
Range: $418$1,195
$767
33Idaho
Range: $85$1,348
$743
34Tennessee
Range: $418$1,090
$741
35Hawaii
Range: $85$1,386
$739
36Louisiana
Range: $226$1,345
$730
37South Dakota
Range: $95$1,313
$729
38West Virginia
Range: $85$1,409
$721
39Maryland
Range: $477$1,083
$714
40Kansas
Range: $502$912
$711
41Virginia
Range: $360$1,157
$710
42Indiana
Range: $70$1,385
$708
43Kentucky
Range: $85$1,313
$691
44Missouri
Range: $502$811
$680
45Ohio
Range: $335$1,087
$678
46Texas
Range: $85$1,210
$662
47Michigan
Range: $85$1,073
$645
48Arkansas
Range: $85$1,042
$624
49Arizona
Range: $448$898
$614
50Oklahoma
Range: $85$960
$525
51Florida
Range: $35$964
$351
Cataract Surgery in Other States