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South Dakota

Cost of a Cataract Surgery Visit
in South Dakota

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

South Dakota's healthcare market operates with limited competition and significant rural-urban disparities, affecting specialized surgical care access across the state. Cataract Surgery patients typically pay between $95 and $1,313, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $778 based on negotiated insurance rates. South Dakota has 53 active Cataract Surgery providers serving patients throughout the state's diverse geographic regions.

Average

$729

Median

$778

Lowest

$95

Highest

$1,313

Providers

53

National avg: $888South Dakota: $729

18% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does cataract surgery compare to related procedures in South Dakota?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)

27447$1,099$1,965$5,33050
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$90$1,769$3,01267
Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy

29881$387$776$1,81153
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$80$975$6,14677
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$85$877$2,41866
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$85$1,242$2,54156
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$90$848$1,62754
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$197$411$70551
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$439$769$2,03450
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$491$940$2,42353
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$296$622$1,06853

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 South Dakota

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

5/5
93% would recommend805 patient surveys
5/5
91% would recommend609 patient surveys
5/5
86% would recommend298 patient surveys
DUNES SURGICAL HOSPITAL

DAKOTA DUNES, SD

5/5
85% would recommend192 patient surveys
5/5
85% would recommend218 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 South Dakota

South Dakota's cataract surgery costs run approximately 5% above national averages, reflecting the state's rural geography and limited provider competition. The concentration of surgical facilities in Sioux Falls and Rapid City creates access challenges for patients in remote areas, potentially affecting both cost and travel expenses.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Most cataract surgeons practice in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or Aberdeen, leaving vast rural areas underserved and requiring patients to travel considerable distances. This geographic concentration allows urban practices to maintain higher pricing while rural patients face additional costs for travel and overnight stays.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-based outpatient surgical centers typically charge more than independent ambulatory surgery centers in South Dakota. Major health systems like Sanford Health and Avera Health operate most surgical facilities, with their market dominance contributing to higher facility fees compared to independent surgery centers.

Insurance Market Competition in South Dakota

The limited number of major insurers - primarily Wellmark BCBS, Sanford Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare - creates less competitive pressure on negotiated rates. This concentrated market allows providers to maintain higher prices compared to states with more robust insurance competition.

Physician Supply and Demand in South Dakota

With 53 active cataract surgery providers serving the entire state's population, South Dakota faces a relative shortage of ophthalmologists compared to national averages. This supply constraint contributes to longer wait times and higher prices, particularly for patients seeking surgery with premium lens implants or specialized techniques.

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 South Dakota

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

Without insurance, cataract surgery consultation visits in South Dakota typically range from $95 to $1,313, with a median cost of $778 based on negotiated rates. The actual procedure costs significantly more, often ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per eye depending on the facility and lens type chosen. Many surgical centers offer cash-pay discounts that can reduce these costs by 20-40% for uninsured patients.

Does South Dakota Medicaid cover Cataract Surgery visits?

South Dakota has not expanded Medicaid, limiting coverage to traditional categories like pregnant women, children, and disabled individuals. For those who qualify, Medicaid typically covers medically necessary cataract surgery with standard lens implants. However, many low-income adults fall into the coverage gap and don't qualify for Medicaid assistance, making cost a significant barrier to care.

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

Compare costs between hospital-based surgical centers and independent ambulatory surgery centers, as pricing can vary significantly. Ask about cash-pay discounts, payment plans, and financing options if you're uninsured or have high deductibles. Community health centers in larger cities may offer sliding scale fees or can help connect you with affordable surgical options.

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

Initial cataract surgery consultations typically cost more than follow-up visits, as they involve comprehensive eye exams and surgical planning. While specific visit-level costs weren't provided in our data, the surgical procedure itself ranges from $95 to $1,313 based on negotiated insurance rates. Follow-up visits are usually shorter and focus on healing progress, resulting in lower charges than the initial evaluation.

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

Yes, both consultations and cataract surgery procedures qualify as eligible medical expenses for HSA and FSA accounts. This includes the surgery, standard lens implants, and related medical care. However, premium lens upgrades for astigmatism correction or multifocal lenses may have restrictions, so verify coverage with your plan administrator before scheduling.

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

While initial cataract evaluations require in-person examination, telemedicine can be useful for pre-surgical consultations and some follow-up visits. Telehealth visits typically cost 20-30% less than in-person appointments and can reduce travel costs for rural South Dakota patients. However, surgical procedures and detailed eye examinations still require in-person visits to specialized facilities.

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