How can I ask for pricing and get an answer?

Question

I know all pricing depends on many different factors. I’ve had a good handful of surgeries myself so I know this. But how come when I ask for the base/starting price of a procedure (without hospital fees, etc) I can never get an answer. I research and research to find doctors I like, most being out of state. So when I reach out to get an idea of price, they never tell me. And I mean never. How can I ask this properly to get a response? I’d like to have an idea before traveling out of state

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

It can be frustrating when pricing information is not readily available, but understanding how to frame your request can improve your chances of getting an answer. When contacting a clinic, try being specific and polite, mentioning that you’re looking for a starting price or price range to help with planning.

Some clinics may avoid discussing prices to prevent miscommunication, but most will share a range if you explain your situation clearly. If you still don’t receive an answer, ask if they offer virtual consultations, which may provide a more detailed estimate tailored to your needs.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for inquiring about obtaining a price quote for a plastic surgery procedure. When considering plastic surgery, understanding the costs involved is essential to the decision-making process.
Typically, after a consultation with a plastic surgeon, you should receive a comprehensive quote that includes the cost of the procedure, anesthesia, and operating room fees. This quote usually represents an all-inclusive price, covering all the primary expenses associated with the surgery. This clarity helps you understand the total financial commitment required for the procedure.
It's important to note that this standard practice may vary if insurance is involved in covering any part of the surgery. Insurance billing can be complex and less predictable, making it challenging to provide an exact cost upfront. If your procedure has an insurance component, it's advisable to discuss this with both the surgeon's office and your insurance provider to get a clearer understanding of the coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
For elective procedures that don't involve insurance, your surgeon's office should be able to give you a definitive cost. To ensure you make a well-informed decision, it's advisable to consult with multiple board-certified and experienced plastic surgeons. This not only gives you a sense of the cost variations but also helps you choose a surgeon who aligns best with your expectations and needs.
Good luck with your journey, and don't hesitate to ask your surgeon or their staff any questions you may have about the procedure or associated costs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

David Hansen, MD · Answer

The right way to go about getting a price for a cosmetic surgery is to ask if they are willing to give you an estimate by email or text if you first email/text them your photos and what you want done. Most docs will then be able to give you a good estimate.  We don't know if the procedure you are asking about is even appropriate or do-able for you without us first seeing photos. Most times you need something else or a combination of procedures.  You don't know what is even available in your situation often.  That is why it is a waste of your time and ours by you asking for pricing.  Most cosmetic surgeries are a combination of a few procedures that work well together to give you what you want or need. We can help direct your questioning to get you the best options for your particular situation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Pricing can vary so much depending upon what actually is required. An examination is needed to do this. I would suggest finding someone in your area for surgery. If not, set up a facetime appointment so you can then be given a better answer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There are different factors that contribute to pricing for liposuction.  Costs vary by surgeon, region, as well as areas to be suctioned.  We have an online tool that patients can access to request a quote for surgery.  The best way to get accurate pricing is by scheduling a consultation.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Pricing for liposuction can vary quite a bit depending on location and experience of the surgeon. The amount of liposuction is also a critical factor as well as the areas on your body treated. You’re starting body mass index and fat distribution also is critical to determine times, and potentially positioning that take up time in the operating room.

There are many variables.

Having said that, without a guarantee of pricing, it is between 1500 and $2500 per hour to cover all of the costs. In some places a bit more or less.

To treat a torso for example, could be anywhere between 4000 and $10,000 depending on anatomy, density of fat, distribution of fat, etc.

Photograph and more explicit request would help to define this better for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You post an interesting question. I have always been able to give base pricing or pricing, including total fees in my Practice years of over 43 years. You did not specify what surgery or surgeries you’re interested in best is to virtual consult with the surgeon, then his office staff can give you the base fee or the total fee. For example Base fees for most surgeries are between $3000-$6000 depending on surgical time and location of surgery. Weather in Office surgery, certified center, ambulatory surgical center, or outpatient inpatient hospital. These fees very to base price and total fee. And easy examples liposuction. In certified office center liposuction total fee can range from $4000-$8000. In an ambulatory surgery center liposuction fee can range from $5000-$10,000. As outpatient inpatient hospital the same fee can range from $6000-$15,000. you asked for a range there’s an example. Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The primary reason the plastic surgeons are reluctant to quote you price is that there may be variables that can change the price and once a patient is given the price they typically get upset if the price is changed later.
Patience who are given a price quote, will tend to hold onto that price as some type of guarantee.
There are a lot of variables to take in the consideration.
A tummy tuck on a petite person. May take an hour and 40 minutes while doing this on an excessively large person may take 6 1/2 hours.
Operating room time is usually calculated by some formula with the first hour, being more expensive than the next hour, etc. 
This may also be the case for Anastasia cost.
I don’t think plastic surgeons are all that apprehensive of discussing pricing but generally the process should begin with an assessment, followed by treatment recommendation And a price quote.
I generally do not recommend people travel along distances for elective surgical procedures.
I also recommend patience, avoid virtual, consultations whenever possible.
A virtual consultation may serve the purpose of getting a price quote, but it is in my opinion, less than ideal in regards to getting a quality assessment, and having the ability to properly vet the provider.
This website offers a lot of very good information on actual costs. Patients have paid for surgery in different geographic regions.
I generally always recommend patients have in person consultations with local providers whatever possible.
Doing that will get you a good assessment and understanding of pricing.
Again, I generally do not recommend people travel long distances for elective surgical procedures.
Doing so patience, seem to not appreciate the number of patients who have serious concerns after surgery, the importance of in person follow up, The number of patients who will need revision surgery or that complications actually happen. 
There are definitely plastic surgeons who post prices on their website and are willing to disclose them over the phone.
In the end, each provider will have their own way of doing things.
There is usually a fairly good reason why we do things the way we do.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

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