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Costs

Outpatient surgery: surgery center vs. hospital costs

What you pay for outpatient surgery with Original Medicare at an ambulatory surgical center vs. a hospital outpatient department, and how to look up the price first.

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026 · How we check facts

Many procedures can be done without an overnight hospital stay. Where you have them changes what you pay.

Ambulatory surgical centers

These are outpatient facilities for surgery, where you're expected to go home within 24 hours. Medicare covers the facility fees for approved procedures. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to both the center and the doctor, after the Part B deductible. Certain preventive services there cost nothing if your doctor accepts assignment.

Hospital outpatient departments

  • You pay 20% for the doctor, plus a copay to the hospital for each service.
  • In most cases, each copay can't be more than the Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 in 2026), but several services can add up past it.
  • At a critical access hospital, the copay may be higher and can exceed the Part A deductible.
  • You may pay more at a hospital outpatient department than at an independent doctor's office for the same care.

Check the price before you go

Medicare.gov's procedure price lookup estimates what you'd pay for common procedures at a surgery center and a hospital outpatient department. Ask your surgeon where they operate and whether they accept assignment.

Watch out for

  • You pay the full facility fee for a procedure Medicare doesn't cover.
  • Staying overnight doesn't make you an inpatient. See inpatient or observation.
  • For non-emergency surgery, Medicare covers a second opinion. See second opinions.

Common questions

How much does outpatient surgery cost with Medicare?

At an ambulatory surgical center, 20% of the Medicare-approved amount to the center and to the doctor after the Part B deductible. At a hospital outpatient department, 20% for the doctor plus a copay for each hospital service, usually capped at the Part A deductible per service.

Is a surgery center cheaper than a hospital with Medicare?

It can be. Compare both with Medicare.gov's procedure price lookup before you schedule.

Does Medicare cover surgery at an ambulatory surgical center?

Yes, for approved procedures where you're expected to go home within 24 hours.

Sources

General information, not advice about a specific plan.