How Much Does Electroconvulsive Therapy Cost?
Also known as: Electroconvulsive therapy (CPT 90870)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) session for treatment-resistant depression or other severe mental illness.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (CPT 90870) costs $99 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Electroconvulsive Therapy
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under brief general anesthesia and muscle relaxant, controlled electrical currents are passed through the brain to trigger a brief seizure. You will not feel the seizure. Memory of the procedure is typically absent.
How Long Does It Take?
5-10 minutes for the procedure (30-60 minutes total including preparation and recovery)
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Severe depression not responding to medication, catatonia, severe mania, suicidal ideation not responding to other treatments
How to Prepare
Fast for 8 hours. Arrange a driver. A series of 6-12 treatments is typical, usually 3 times per week. Some temporary memory effects are common.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Electroconvulsive therapy
How to Reduce Your Cost for Electroconvulsive therapy
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 ($182) differs from the facility rate ($99). 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 (5.45) x CF ($33.40) = $182
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Will insurance pay for ECT?
Is ECT a last resort?
Which is better, ECT or TMS?
What is the success rate of ECT for depression?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Electroconvulsive therapy cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Electroconvulsive therapy is $99. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Electroconvulsive therapy cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Electroconvulsive therapy 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 Electroconvulsive therapy?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Electroconvulsive therapy 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.