How Much Does C-Section Delivery (Total OB Care) Cost?
Also known as: Cesarean delivery (CPT 59510)
The complete package of prenatal care, cesarean section delivery, and postpartum care.
C-Section Delivery (Total OB Care) (CPT 59510) costs $2,473 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: C-Section Delivery (Total OB Care)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
This covers all prenatal visits, the surgical delivery of your baby through an incision in the abdomen, and 6 weeks of follow-up care.
How Long Does It Take?
Full pregnancy through 6 weeks postpartum
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Planned or emergency cesarean delivery, breech baby, prior C-section, complications requiring surgical delivery
How to Prepare
Follow all pre-surgery instructions. Fast as directed before a planned C-section. Arrange extra help at home for 4-6 weeks of recovery.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Cesarean delivery
How to Reduce Your Cost for Cesarean delivery
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 (74.05) x CF ($33.40) = $2,473
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cesarean delivery cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Cesarean delivery is $2,473. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Cesarean delivery cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Cesarean delivery 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 Cesarean delivery?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Cesarean delivery 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.