How Much Does C-Section Delivery Only Cost?
Also known as: Cesarean delivery only (CPT 59514)
The surgical delivery portion only for a cesarean birth, without prenatal or postpartum care.
C-Section Delivery Only (CPT 59514) costs $824 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: C-Section Delivery Only
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Covers the cesarean section surgery to deliver your baby through an incision in the abdomen.
How Long Does It Take?
1-2 hours surgery, 2-4 days hospital stay
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Emergency C-section, transfer of care, surgical delivery when prenatal care was elsewhere
How to Prepare
Follow all pre-surgery fasting instructions. Have your records available for the surgical team.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Cesarean delivery only
How to Reduce Your Cost for Cesarean delivery only
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 (24.66) x CF ($33.40) = $824
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cesarean delivery only cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Cesarean delivery only is $824. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Cesarean delivery only cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Cesarean delivery only 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 only?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Cesarean delivery only 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.