How Much Does Cystourethroscopy Cost?
Also known as: Cystourethroscopy (CPT 52000)
A cystoscopy where a small camera is inserted through the urethra to examine the inside of the bladder.
The total estimated cost of Cystourethroscopy (CPT 52000) is $239 to $448, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $71.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Cystourethroscopy
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
After numbing the urethra with gel, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible scope through the urethra into the bladder. You may feel pressure and a brief urge to urinate. The entire bladder lining is examined.
How Long Does It Take?
5-15 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Blood in urine, frequent urinary infections, difficulty urinating, bladder pain, follow-up after bladder cancer treatment
How to Prepare
You may take antibiotics before the procedure. Drink plenty of water afterward. Mild burning with urination for a day or two is normal.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Cystourethroscopy
How to Reduce Your Cost for Cystourethroscopy
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
For this procedure, the office rate ($216) differs from the facility rate ($71). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 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 (6.46) x CF ($33.40) = $216
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cystourethroscopy cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Cystourethroscopy is $71. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Cystourethroscopy cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Cystourethroscopy 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 Cystourethroscopy?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Cystourethroscopy 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.