Healthcare Cost Comparison Calculator

Compare procedure costs at hospitals, ASCs, and clinics.

Hospital

$2,500.00

Surgery Center

$1,200.00

Potential Savings

$1,300.00

Facility Comparison

Hospital$2,500.00
Ambulatory Surgery Center$1,200.00
Clinic / Imaging Center$600.00
Max Savings$1,300.00

Use the Healthcare Cost Comparison Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Healthcare Cost Comparison Calculator helps you understand and compare the out-of-pocket costs for medical procedures across different facility types: hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), and independent clinics. With healthcare costs projected to rise by 6.5% in 2026, making informed decisions on where to receive care can lead to significant savings.

The calculator estimates costs by facility type based on a national average percentage of Medicare reimbursement rates, adjusted for 2026 inflation and facility-specific markups. For example, a procedure costing $10,000 at a hospital might be estimated at 70% of that for an ASC and 50% for a clinic, reflecting typical price variations.

Always verify specific procedure codes (CPT) with your provider and insurance. Don't solely focus on the lowest price; consider physician expertise, facility accreditation, and your insurance network to avoid unexpected out-of-network charges.

Example: Knee Arthroscopy Cost Comparison

  1. 1 Input your procedure (e.g., 'Knee Arthroscopy - CPT 29870') and your estimated insurance reimbursement rate (e.g., 80% for in-network).
  2. 2 The calculator applies a 2026 national average baseline cost of $5,500 for CPT 29870. It then calculates the estimated cost at a hospital (120% of baseline), an ASC (75% of baseline), and a clinic (60% of baseline), and applies your insurance reimbursement.
  3. 3 Estimated out-of-pocket costs: Hospital: $1,320, ASC: $825, Clinic: $660. These figures represent your 20% co-insurance after the insurance payment.
  4. 4 This comparison shows that choosing an ASC or clinic for a routine procedure like a Knee Arthroscopy could save you hundreds of dollars. Always confirm these estimates with your specific insurance plan and provider before scheduling.

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the same procedure cost different amounts at different facilities?
Hospitals charge 2-4 times more than ambulatory surgery centers for the same procedure due to higher overhead, facility fees, and negotiated insurance rates. Pricing varies widely by region and facility type, with no standardized pricing requirements.
Are ambulatory surgery centers as safe as hospitals?
Yes. ASCs perform millions of procedures annually with excellent safety records. They are federally regulated and accredited. However, they handle only outpatient procedures and may not be appropriate for patients with complex medical conditions.
How can I find out procedure costs before treatment?
Hospitals are now required to publish price transparency data online. You can also request a cost estimate in advance, check your insurer's cost estimator tool, or compare prices on websites like Healthcare Bluebook or FAIR Health.

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