North Dakota

Cost of a Gallbladder Removal Surgery Visit
in North Dakota

Name: Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic) Cost in North Dakota (2026)
Creator: Jayant Panwar
Published: 2026-03-18

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

North Dakota's predominantly rural healthcare landscape creates unique cost patterns for surgical procedures, with 470 active providers offering Gallbladder Removal Surgery across the state's 53 counties. Patients typically pay between $691 and $6,146 for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $6,146 based on negotiated insurance rates. The state's expanded Medicaid program and dominant health systems like Sanford Health and Essentia Health provide multiple options for patients seeking affordable care throughout North Dakota.

Average

$4,328

Median

$6,146

Lowest

$691

Highest

$6,146

Providers

470

National avg: $1,117North Dakota: $4,328

288% above national average

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Just $19.99/mo

Compare Similar Procedures

How does gallbladder removal (laparoscopic) compare to related procedures in North Dakota?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
Knee Replacement Total knee replacement (arthroplasty)	27447	$1,198	$1,894	$3,475	37
Hip Replacement Total hip replacement (arthroplasty)	27130	$91	$91	$2,019	455
Cataract Surgery Cataract extraction with intraocular lens insertion	66984	$80	$746	$1,609	41
Knee Arthroscopy Arthroscopy of the knee with meniscectomy	29881	$331	$752	$1,591	43
Appendectomy (Laparoscopic) Laparoscopic appendectomy	44970	$80	$800	$1,767	55
Hysterectomy (Laparoscopic) Laparoscopic total hysterectomy	58571	$610	$1,240	$2,597	40
Septoplasty Nasal septum repair	30520	$381	$849	$1,627	42
Tonsillectomy Tonsillectomy, primary or secondary	42820	$237	$399	$820	38
Inguinal Hernia Repair Inguinal hernia repair	49505	$437	$709	$1,537	39
Mastectomy Partial or simple mastectomy	19301	$478	$885	$1,820	40
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Open carpal tunnel release	64721	$319	$596	$2,591	38

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 47562 — Laparoscopic cholecystectomy). 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 47562 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 47562 (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 47562 covers: the provider's professional fee for gallbladder removal (laparoscopic). 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.

Full data methodology and glossary

Why Gallbladder Removal Surgery Visit Costs Vary Across North Dakota

North Dakota's healthcare costs run approximately 4% above the national average, influenced by the state's oil boom economy and rural geography that creates unique provider distribution challenges. The state's 760,000 residents are served by major health systems concentrated in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, with critical access hospitals filling gaps in smaller communities.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

The eastern corridor from Fargo to Grand Forks contains the highest concentration of specialized surgeons, while western oil counties often rely on traveling surgeons or patient transfers to larger facilities. This geographic disparity can create cost variations as rural patients may face higher travel expenses but sometimes lower facility overhead costs.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Sanford Health and Essentia Health operate the majority of surgical facilities in North Dakota, with their hospital-based outpatient centers typically charging higher facility fees than independent surgery centers. The dominance of these integrated health systems can limit price competition but often provides more comprehensive care coordination.

Insurance Market Competition in North Dakota

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota maintains the largest market share, followed by Sanford Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare, creating a relatively concentrated insurance environment. This limited competition can result in higher negotiated rates compared to states with more insurers, though regional health plans often offer competitive pricing within their provider networks.

Physician Supply and Demand in North Dakota

With 470 active providers offering Gallbladder Removal Surgery statewide, North Dakota maintains adequate surgical capacity relative to its population, though specialists concentrate heavily in urban areas. The state's physician shortage in rural regions can create longer wait times and higher costs for patients seeking care outside major metropolitan areas.

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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 — Gallbladder Removal Surgery Costs in North Dakota

What is the average cost of a Gallbladder Removal Surgery visit in North Dakota without insurance?

Uninsured patients in North Dakota typically pay between $691 and $6,146 for laparoscopic gallbladder removal, with a median cost of $6,146 based on negotiated insurance rates. However, many hospitals offer substantial self-pay discounts of 20-40% off these rates, and payment plans are widely available. The final cost depends on the surgical facility type, with independent surgery centers often charging less than hospital-based outpatient departments.

Does North Dakota Medicaid cover Gallbladder Removal Surgery visits?

Yes, North Dakota expanded Medicaid in 2014 and provides comprehensive coverage for medically necessary gallbladder removal surgery with minimal copays for eligible adults. Coverage includes both the surgeon's fees and facility costs, though prior authorization may be required for non-emergency procedures. Medicaid patients should verify that both their surgeon and chosen surgical facility accept North Dakota Medicaid before scheduling.

How do I find an affordable Gallbladder Removal Surgery near me in North Dakota?

Compare costs between hospital-based surgery centers and independent ambulatory facilities, as independent centers often charge lower facility fees. Ask about self-pay discounts if uninsured, and consider community health centers or non-profit hospitals that offer financial assistance programs. Rural facilities sometimes offer competitive pricing despite longer travel distances from urban areas.

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

Initial surgical consultations typically involve comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning, costing more than follow-up visits that focus on post-operative care and wound checks. New patient consultations may include imaging review and surgical planning, while follow-up visits are shorter and primarily involve examining healing progress. Most insurance plans cover both types of visits similarly, though copays may differ based on your specific plan structure.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Gallbladder Removal Surgery visit in North Dakota?

Yes, both HSA and FSA funds can be used for medically necessary gallbladder removal surgery, including surgeon fees, facility costs, and related medical expenses. These tax-advantaged accounts cover consultation visits, pre-operative testing, the surgery itself, and follow-up care. Keep all receipts and documentation, as these procedures clearly qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Gallbladder Removal Surgery in North Dakota?

Telemedicine consultations for initial surgical evaluation typically cost 20-30% less than in-person visits and are increasingly accepted by North Dakota insurance plans. However, physical examination is usually necessary for gallbladder surgery candidates, so telehealth is most useful for follow-up visits or second opinions. North Dakota's rural geography makes telemedicine particularly valuable for post-operative check-ins, reducing travel costs for patients in remote areas.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$358