CPT 36818 Surgery - Cardiovascular

How Much Does Av Fuse Uppr Arm Cephalic Cost?

Also known as: Av fuse uppr arm cephalic (CPT 36818)

The total estimated cost of Av Fuse Uppr Arm Cephalic (CPT 36818) is $2,112 to $3,961, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $629.

Total Estimated Cost of Care

$2,112 — $3,961

This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .

Surgeon/Physician Fee
$629
Hospital Facility Fee
$1,886
Anesthesia (est.)
$126
Important: The physician fee of $629 shown in the cost cards below is what Medicare pays the surgeon/doctor only. The hospital charges a separate facility fee that typically makes up 70-85% of the total cost.
Medicare Physician Fee (Facility Setting)
$629
Physician component only — CMS PFS 2026

Procedures Commonly Done Together

These procedures are frequently performed alongside Av fuse uppr arm cephalic

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How to Reduce Your Cost for Av fuse uppr arm cephalic

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.

12.08
Work RVU
3.69
Practice Expense RVU
3.05
Malpractice RVU
18.82
Total RVU

Payment = Total RVU (18.82) x CF ($33.40) = $629

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Av fuse uppr arm cephalic cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Av fuse uppr arm cephalic is $629. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Av fuse uppr arm cephalic cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Av fuse uppr arm cephalic 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 Av fuse uppr arm cephalic?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Av fuse uppr arm cephalic 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.

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