How Much Does Explore Parathyroid Glands Cost?
Also known as: Explore parathyroid glands (CPT 60500)
Parathyroidectomy - removal of one or more parathyroid glands.
The total estimated cost of Explore Parathyroid Glands (CPT 60500) is $2,995 to $5,616, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $891.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Explore Parathyroid Glands
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon identifies and removes the overactive parathyroid gland(s) through a neck incision. Blood calcium levels are monitored closely.
How Long Does It Take?
1-3 hours
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Primary hyperparathyroidism, elevated blood calcium, parathyroid adenoma, kidney stones from high calcium
How to Prepare
Fast before surgery. Blood calcium and PTH levels are checked during surgery. Take calcium supplements as directed after.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Explore parathyroid glands
How to Reduce Your Cost for Explore parathyroid glands
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 (26.69) x CF ($33.40) = $891
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is parathyroid surgery covered by insurance?
Parathyroid surgery is covered by all insurance companies. In fact, the insurance companies know that it is cheaper in the long run for you to have a parathyroid operation than it is to treat all the bad complications that can occur if you don't have an operation.
What are the first signs of parathyroid issues?
What are the symptoms of parathyroid disorders? Many patients experience symptoms of fatigue, depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with their memory, insomnia, generalized muscle aches and pains, frequent urination (especially at night), and constipation.
Is parathyroid surgery a big surgery?
No, parathyroidectomy isn't a major surgery.
How long is the hospital stay for parathyroid surgery?
Patients who undergo a parathyroid surgery can usually go home the same day as their procedure, but sometimes will be admitted overnight for observation. Pain following thyroid operations is variable, but most patients do not require narcotic pain medications and are comfortable with Tylenol and/or ibuprofen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Explore parathyroid glands cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Explore parathyroid glands is $891. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Explore parathyroid glands cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Explore parathyroid glands 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 Explore parathyroid glands?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Explore parathyroid glands 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.