How Much Does Shoulder Arthrs Srg Removal of Loose/foreign Body Cost?
Also known as: Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb (CPT 29819)
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery to remove loose bodies or foreign material from the joint.
The total estimated cost of Shoulder Arthrs Srg Removal of Loose/foreign Body (CPT 29819) is $1,848 to $3,466, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $550.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Shoulder Arthrs Srg Removal of Loose/foreign Body
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Through small incisions, the surgeon uses a camera and instruments to find and remove loose fragments of cartilage or bone from inside your shoulder.
How Long Does It Take?
30-60 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Shoulder catching or locking, loose cartilage fragments, shoulder clicking with pain
How to Prepare
Fast after midnight. Arrange a ride home and help for a few days. Have a sling ready.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb
How to Reduce Your Cost for Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (16.47) x CF ($33.40) = $550
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb is $550. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Sho arthrs srg rmvl loose/fb when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.