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Alaska

Cost of a Knee Replacement Surgery Visit
in Alaska

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Alaska's unique geography and limited healthcare infrastructure create distinct cost patterns for orthopedic care across the state's vast terrain. Knee Replacement Surgery patients typically pay between $1,136 and $6,451, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $1,871 based on negotiated insurance rates from 35 active providers. Patients can browse all available Knee Replacement Surgery specialists throughout Alaska to find the most cost-effective option for their specific needs.

Average

$3,152

Median

$1,871

Lowest

$1,136

Highest

$6,451

Providers

35

National avg: $2,275Alaska: $3,152

39% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does knee replacement compare to related procedures in Alaska?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
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
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$364$561$1,95734

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 27447Total knee arthroplasty). 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 27447 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 27447 (Total knee arthroplasty), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 27447 covers: the provider's professional fee for knee replacement. 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 Knee Replacement Surgery Visit Costs Vary Across Alaska

Alaska's healthcare costs run approximately 35% above national averages, driven by the state's geographic isolation, harsh weather conditions, and limited provider competition. The state's unique challenges include expensive medical equipment shipping, higher staff compensation to attract specialists, and the need for emergency medical transport infrastructure.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Anchorage and Fairbanks concentrate most of Alaska's orthopedic specialists, while rural communities often require expensive air travel for specialty care. The Alaska Bush creates significant access barriers, with some patients flying hundreds of miles for knee replacement consultations. This geographic disparity drives both higher costs in rural areas and increased demand in urban centers.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-based orthopedic clinics like those at Providence Alaska Medical Center typically charge higher facility fees than independent practices due to increased overhead costs. Alaska's harsh climate requires specialized building heating and maintenance, driving up operational expenses across all facility types. Some providers partner with surgery centers to offer more cost-effective alternatives to hospital-based care.

Insurance Market Competition in Alaska

Premera's market dominance in Alaska creates limited insurer competition, potentially leading to higher negotiated rates with providers. The state's small population and geographic challenges make it difficult for new insurers to enter the market effectively. This concentration can result in fewer cost-saving options for patients compared to states with more competitive insurance markets.

Physician Supply and Demand in Alaska

With only 35 active Knee Replacement Surgery providers serving the entire state, Alaska faces a significant shortage relative to its population and high injury rates from outdoor activities. This supply constraint drives longer wait times and potentially higher prices as demand exceeds availability. Many Alaskans travel to Seattle or other Lower 48 cities for orthopedic care, highlighting the local supply gap.

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 — Knee Replacement Surgery Costs in Alaska

What is the average cost of a Knee Replacement Surgery visit in Alaska without insurance?

Without insurance, Knee Replacement Surgery consultations in Alaska range from $1,136 to $6,451, with a median cost of $1,871 based on actual negotiated rates. These prices reflect what insurers pay providers and may be higher for cash-paying patients. Many Alaska providers offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their standard rates, making it worthwhile to ask about cash payment options when scheduling your appointment.

Does Alaska Medicaid cover Knee Replacement Surgery visits?

Yes, Alaska Medicaid covers Knee Replacement Surgery visits with minimal copays for eligible patients. Alaska expanded Medicaid in 2015, significantly improving access to specialty orthopedic care for thousands of previously uninsured residents. You may need a referral from your primary care provider, and some services might require prior authorization, but basic consultations are generally covered.

How do I find an affordable Knee Replacement Surgery near me in Alaska?

Compare costs between hospital-based clinics and independent practices, as facility fees can add hundreds to your total bill. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider community health centers that may offer sliding scale fees. Given Alaska's limited provider network, you might also explore telehealth consultations for initial evaluations, which can be significantly less expensive than in-person visits.

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

Initial Knee Replacement Surgery consultations typically cost between $1,136 and $6,451 based on complexity and facility type, while follow-up visits are generally less expensive. The exact cost difference depends on your insurance plan's copay structure and whether additional procedures like imaging are needed. Follow-up appointments at independent practices often cost significantly less than those at hospital-based orthopedic clinics.

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

Yes, both HSA and FSA funds can be used for orthopedic specialist consultations as they qualify as legitimate medical expenses. This includes copays, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket costs related to your Knee Replacement Surgery visit. Keep all receipts and documentation, as you may need them for reimbursement or tax purposes when using these pre-tax healthcare dollars.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Knee Replacement Surgery in Alaska?

Telemedicine consultations typically cost 30-50% less than in-person visits and can be particularly valuable for Alaska patients in remote areas. While physical examination limitations mean some conditions require in-person evaluation, initial consultations and follow-ups often work well via telehealth. Many Alaska insurers expanded telehealth coverage during the pandemic and continue to cover virtual orthopedic consultations, making this an increasingly cost-effective option for routine care.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$843
$4,785

Office visit (CPT 27447)

Compare With Other States

RankStateAverage
1Wisconsin
Range: $73$10,559
$4,785
2Rhode Island
Range: $1,136$6,051
$3,170
3Alaska
Range: $1,136$6,451
$3,152
4Massachusetts
Range: $1,061$6,051
$3,102
5Connecticut
Range: $909$6,051
$2,917
6Delaware
Range: $1,005$6,051
$2,914
7Montana
Range: $92$6,877
$2,879
8Pennsylvania
Range: $909$6,051
$2,837
9Wyoming
Range: $1,657$4,492
$2,807
10South Dakota
Range: $1,099$5,330
$2,798
11Georgia
Range: $1,131$5,082
$2,783
12New York
Range: $898$6,051
$2,746
13Minnesota
Range: $873$5,078
$2,705
14New Hampshire
Range: $1,433$4,078
$2,650
15Iowa
Range: $95$4,753
$2,594
16West Virginia
Range: $1,204$4,734
$2,556
17Nebraska
Range: $1,637$3,009
$2,527
18Washington
Range: $1,606$3,703
$2,474
19New Jersey
Range: $952$4,588
$2,321
20New Mexico
Range: $1,216$3,606
$2,318
21North Carolina
Range: $1,136$3,785
$2,311
22Maine
Range: $1,713$2,689
$2,297
23Oregon
Range: $1,116$3,635
$2,288
24District of Columbia
Range: $1,061$3,475
$2,286
25Colorado
Range: $1,136$3,475
$2,220
26North Dakota
Range: $1,198$3,475
$2,189
27Utah
Range: $842$2,906
$2,184
28Kentucky
Range: $977$3,564
$2,126
29Michigan
Range: $1,136$3,355
$2,121
30Maryland
Range: $1,204$3,475
$2,015
31Idaho
Range: $1,061$3,049
$2,001
32Indiana
Range: $90$4,087
$1,966
33Hawaii
Range: $1,018$2,946
$1,953
34Vermont
Range: $958$3,286
$1,900
35South Carolina
Range: $1,060$3,108
$1,898
36Mississippi
Range: $1,039$3,303
$1,895
37Illinois
Range: $85$3,789
$1,884
38Arkansas
Range: $1,138$2,603
$1,878
39Texas
Range: $1,056$3,006
$1,877
40California
Range: $75$3,286
$1,863
41Nevada
Range: $1,136$2,632
$1,853
42Alabama
Range: $964$2,946
$1,845
43Tennessee
Range: $1,147$2,647
$1,843
44Missouri
Range: $1,272$2,246
$1,811
45Virginia
Range: $976$2,946
$1,798
46Louisiana
Range: $989$2,664
$1,757
47Kansas
Range: $1,272$2,223
$1,698
48Ohio
Range: $848$2,491
$1,603
49Arizona
Range: $1,097$2,276
$1,503
50Oklahoma
Range: $85$2,533
$1,311
51Florida
Range: $35$2,438
$843
Knee Replacement in Other States