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Washington

Cost of a Knee Replacement Surgery Visit
in Washington

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Washington's healthcare landscape reflects the Pacific Northwest's unique blend of urban innovation and rural challenges, with Seattle-area medical centers leading joint replacement research while eastern counties face provider shortages. Knee Replacement Surgery patients typically pay between $1,605 and $3,702, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $2,113 based on negotiated insurance rates. Washington maintains a robust network of active Knee Replacement Surgery providers across major metropolitan areas and rural communities, allowing patients to browse all providers in Washington for cost and location comparisons.

Average

$2,474

Median

$2,114

Lowest

$1,606

Highest

$3,703

Providers

2,174

National avg: $2,275Washington: $2,474

9% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does knee replacement compare to related procedures in Washington?

ProcedureCPTLowMedianHighProviders
Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)

27130$1,500$2,037$3,7072,234
Cataract Surgery

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion

66984$616$966$1,5212,220
Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy

29881$80$764$1,4754,308
Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

47562$80$806$1,8155,408
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic appendectomy

44970$80$794$1,8325,463
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic)

Laparoscopic total hysterectomy

58571$985$1,415$2,4802,213
Septoplasty

Nasal septum repair

30520$80$857$1,7934,297
Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary

42820$324$434$8892,197
Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia repair

49505$592$768$1,5942,162
Mastectomy

Partial or simple mastectomy

19301$585$946$1,8042,200
Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Open carpal tunnel release

64721$490$669$1,2212,180

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.

Top-Rated Hospitals in Washington

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

5/5
90% would recommend157 patient surveys
5/5
88% would recommend191 patient surveys
4/5
85% would recommend160 patient surveys
JEFFERSON HEALTHCARE

PORT TOWNSEND, WA

4/5
84% would recommend251 patient surveys
4/5
82% would recommend223 patient surveys

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

Why Knee Replacement Surgery Visit Costs Vary Across Washington

Washington's healthcare costs run approximately 10% above national averages, driven by the state's higher cost of living, concentrated urban markets, and significant rural-urban healthcare disparities. The Puget Sound region's dominance creates pricing pressure, while eastern Washington's sparse provider networks limit competition and increase access costs.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Seattle and surrounding King County concentrate most of Washington's orthopedic specialists, creating significant travel burdens for patients in rural counties like Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Garfield. Eastern Washington residents often face 2-3 hour drives to reach subspecialty knee replacement surgeons, increasing overall treatment costs through travel and lodging expenses. Spokane serves as the primary orthopedic hub for the inland Northwest, but provider density remains well below urban western counties.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Major health systems like UW Medicine, MultiCare, and Providence dominate Washington's orthopedic landscape, with hospital-based practices typically charging higher facility fees than independent surgical centers. Seattle's competitive academic medical environment drives innovation but also increases overhead costs that get passed to patients through higher procedure fees. Ambulatory surgery centers in suburban markets often provide more cost-effective options for routine knee procedures.

Insurance Market Competition in Washington

Washington maintains moderate insurer competition with Premera Blue Cross, Regence BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare holding significant market shares across different regions. The state's robust regulatory environment and active insurance commissioner help maintain competitive negotiated rates, though rural areas may have limited insurer options. Kaiser's integrated model creates different pricing dynamics compared to traditional fee-for-service arrangements with other major carriers.

Physician Supply and Demand in Washington

Washington's 2,174 active Knee Replacement Surgery providers create adequate supply in urban areas but significant shortages in rural counties, particularly affecting wait times and pricing in underserved regions. The state's strong medical education infrastructure through the University of Washington helps maintain physician supply, but recruitment to rural areas remains challenging. High provider concentration in the Puget Sound region creates competitive pricing locally while rural areas face premium pricing due to limited options.

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 Washington

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

Uninsured patients in Washington typically pay between $1,605 and $3,702 for Knee Replacement Surgery consultations, with a median cost of $2,113 based on negotiated insurance rates. Many providers offer cash-pay discounts of 20-40% off these standard rates for self-pay patients. Initial consultations generally cost more than follow-up visits, and hospital-based clinics typically charge higher fees than independent practices.

Does Washington Medicaid cover Knee Replacement Surgery visits?

Yes, Washington's expanded Medicaid program (Apple Health) covers medically necessary Knee Replacement Surgery consultations and procedures for eligible adults. Most beneficiaries receive care through managed care plans that require referrals from primary care providers. Coverage includes both initial consultations and follow-up care, though some specialized procedures may require prior authorization.

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

Compare costs across different facility types, as independent surgical centers often charge less than hospital-based practices in Washington's major metropolitan areas. Many providers offer self-pay discounts for uninsured patients, and community health centers in rural areas may provide sliding-scale fee options. Consider traveling to suburban locations where overhead costs and pricing tend to be lower than urban centers like Seattle.

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

Initial Knee Replacement Surgery consultations typically cost between $1,605 and $3,702 in Washington, representing comprehensive evaluations including history, examination, and treatment planning. Follow-up visits for established patients generally cost 30-50% less than new patient consultations, focusing on progress assessment and treatment adjustments. Complex cases requiring extensive imaging review or surgical planning may approach initial consultation fees regardless of patient status.

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

Yes, both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used for medically necessary Knee Replacement Surgery consultations and procedures in Washington. These tax-advantaged accounts cover copays, deductibles, and coinsurance associated with orthopedic care. Keep detailed receipts for all expenses, as you may need documentation for tax purposes or FSA reimbursement claims.

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

Telemedicine consultations for Knee Replacement Surgery typically cost 20-40% less than in-person visits in Washington, though physical examination limitations make virtual visits most suitable for follow-up care or initial screening. Washington's robust telehealth infrastructure expanded significantly during COVID-19, with most major insurers now covering virtual orthopedic consultations. However, diagnostic imaging and hands-on joint assessment usually require in-person visits for comprehensive knee replacement evaluation.

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