How Much Does Debride Nail 1-5 Cost?
Also known as: Debride nail 1-5 (CPT 11720)
Debridement (thinning) of 1 to 5 thickened nails by filing or grinding.
Debride Nail 1-5 (CPT 11720) costs $13 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $60.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Debride nail 1-5 costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Debride Nail 1-5
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The healthcare provider uses a file or rotary tool to thin and smooth thickened nails. This is painless and does not require anesthesia.
How Long Does It Take?
15-20 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Fungal nail infection causing thickening, nail dystrophy, mycotic nails, diabetic nail care
How to Prepare
Soak feet before if possible. Bring clean socks and comfortable shoes.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Debride nail 1-5
How to Reduce Your Cost for Debride nail 1-5
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 ($33) differs from the facility rate ($13). 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 (0.98) x CF ($33.40) = $33
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Debride nail 1-5 cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Debride nail 1-5 is $13. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $60. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Debride nail 1-5 cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Debride nail 1-5 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 Debride nail 1-5?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Debride nail 1-5 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.