How Much Does Fragmenting of Kidney Stone Cost?
Also known as: Fragmenting of kidney stone (CPT 50590)
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), using sound waves to break up kidney stones from outside the body.
The total estimated cost of Fragmenting of Kidney Stone (CPT 50590) is $1,751 to $3,282, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $521.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies .
Patient Guide: Fragmenting of Kidney Stone
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You lie on a cushioned table while a machine sends focused shock waves through your body to break kidney stones into small pieces. You may feel tapping or mild pain. Sedation is provided.
How Long Does It Take?
45-60 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Kidney stones too large to pass on their own, painful kidney stones, stones blocking urine flow
How to Prepare
Fast for 6-8 hours. Arrange a driver. Stop blood thinners as directed. Drink plenty of water after to help pass stone fragments. Straining urine to catch fragments helps confirm the stone has passed.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Fragmenting of kidney stone
How to Reduce Your Cost for Fragmenting of kidney stone
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 ($760) differs from the facility rate ($521). 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 (22.76) x CF ($33.40) = $760
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Does insurance cover kidney stones?
Is kidney stone surgery worth it?
Generally, kidney stone surgery is very effective and symptoms during recovery are mild. However, complications can occur, as with any surgery. The complications that are specific to kidney stone surgery are rare and vary by procedure type.
What are 5 symptoms of having kidney stones?
pain in the side of your tummy (abdomen) or groin – men may have pain in their testicles. a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery. feeling sweaty. severe pain that comes and goes. feeling sick or vomiting. blood in your urine. urine infection.
Is it worth going to the ER for a kidney stone?
Visit the ER if you experience: Severe, unrelenting pain that prevents you from functioning. High fever or chills, signaling a possible kidney infection. Inability to urinate, which could indicate a serious blockage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fragmenting of kidney stone cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Fragmenting of kidney stone is $521. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Fragmenting of kidney stone cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Fragmenting of kidney stone 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 Fragmenting of kidney stone?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Fragmenting of kidney stone 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.