How much does an Ear tube placement cost in California?
Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) · CPT 69436 · State: California
In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) is about $2,547, with most between $1,862 and $3,651 ($3,063 cash/self-pay). Based on 177 California hospitals — 30% higher than the national typical of $1,956. Hospital list charges run about $6,646 (2.6× higher).
Source: medians across 177 California hospitals' published price files (≥5 reporting). See the national Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) cost for the full picture. Estimates vary by hospital, insurer, and plan.
Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) cost in California — FAQs
How much does an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) cost in California?
In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) is about $2,547, with most between $1,862 and $3,651, based on 177 California hospitals. That's 30% higher than the national typical of $1,956.
How much does an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) cost without insurance in California?
Cash or self-pay prices for an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) in California run around $3,063. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $6,646), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.
Why is my California hospital bill for an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) so high?
California hospital "list" charges for an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) run about $6,646 — roughly 2.6× the $2,547 insurers actually pay there. The list price is rarely what anyone pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.
Can I negotiate the cost of an Ear tube placement (tympanostomy) in California?
Yes. If a California hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $2,547), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real California hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.
Charged more than $2,547 in California?
Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real California hospital prices and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.
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