While this article can’t tell you the exact cost of your carpal tunnel surgery, it can give you a clear idea of what to expect. Only your doctor and insurance provider can calculate your specific costs, but we can outline the typical price ranges and factors that influence them.

Several key elements determine your total cost:

• The type of surgery you undergo (open vs. endoscopic)

• The facility where it’s performed (hospital or outpatient center)

• Any complications that may occur

• And how quickly you recover after the procedure

Before your operation, your surgeon and their billing team should give you a detailed estimate. This will include both insurance-covered and out-of-pocket (deductible or copay) expenses.

In general, the total cost of carpal tunnel surgery includes fees for the surgical facility, anesthesia, surgeon and staff, and sometimes rehabilitation or therapy afterward. Keep in mind that rehabilitation costs can vary widely depending on your recovery speed and the type of post-surgical care you need.

Understanding these factors in advance will help you plan financially—and may even motivate you to explore nonsurgical options first.

For purposes of this discussion, we’ll focus on uninsured, out-of-pocket costs. It begins with the actual fee to the facility, anesthesiologist, and doctors. However, if you have complications, then those costs will increase. Furthermore, costs vary from person to person depending on how well you recover from surgery.

After procedure fees, we'll discuss physical therapy and rehabilitation costs. These can vary greatly. And finally, the "intangible" costs like lost job time will be discussed.

The cost estimates below are for when surgery is uncomplicated and you recover quickly from anesthesia. The data averages ALL fees for carpal tunnel release surgery (combining all subtypes of the open release or endoscopic release techniques). 

• Facility services: $1,297
• Doctors’ fees: $746
• Anesthesia: $408

    Total outpatient carpal tunnel surgery cost without complications is $2,451

• Facility services: $4,200 (includes 2-night stay)
• Doctors’ fees: $746
• Anesthesia: $408

     Total hospital carpal tunnel surgery cost without complications is $5,354

Complications like bleeding can make the usual 30-45 minute surgery take twice as long. Other problems like infection will delay recovery, require more post-surgical visits, and usually cost more. Also, costs will differ with any unusual complications like accidental damage to the median nerve or reaction to the anesthesia. 

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are almost always required after carpal tunnel release surgery, no matter which surgical technique was used. The recovery period can vary from 4 to 12 months. In some cases, it’s even longer. Generally, your  carpal surgery recovery time period depends on your ability to heal, and your daily commitment to physical therapy.

It’s not unusual for recovery and rehab fees to far surpass the surgical costs. Without significant complications, the average cost of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and work-related expenses range between $12,500 and $28,000.

One particular cost of carpal tunnel surgery that few patients ever consider is the expense of lost job time. This affects both the patient and the employer. In fact, the repetitive stress injury you received in your occupation is what probably caused your carpal tunnel syndrome to begin with. (See the most harmful hand activities here.)

As a result of the occupational contribution to this disorder, only 10-23% of patients return to their former profession after carpal tunnel surgery. The remainder must refrain from doing the job that made their hands sick in the first place.

Other intangible factors should be considered as part of the surgery's overall “cost”:

• Lost wages between jobs
• The emotional weight of unemployment
• Stresses placed upon the family of the unemployed worker

Therefore, when considering surgery, it’s easy to see how “carpal tunnel surgery cost” takes on a new and wider meaning.

Your total carpal tunnel surgery cost goes well beyond the fees your doctor or clinic estimates for the hand operation. Variables that can drive up the total cost depend upon the outcome (success) of the surgery as well as the rehab period that follows. In addition, loss of job time and wages should be factored into the final "cost" of the procedure. Therefore, the answer to the question, "How much does carpal tunnel surgery cost?" also depends on what happens after the operation.

Why didn't my doctor discuss the intangible costs of surgery?

This usually isn't a lengthy discussion you have with your doctor. The doctor assumes you understand what being out of work means to you and your family.

Why are surgical costs generally less in the southeastern USA?

Surgery is a for-profit business like most other businesses. Its profits are impacted by local economies which vary widely around the country.

Should I shop around for a less costly surgery?

The cost of carpal tunnel release surgery will not vary much from doctor to doctor. But it will vary from facility to facility. You should inquire with the help of your doctor's office.