General Surgery
Upfront surgical pricing for hernias, gallbladders, and more — no surprise bills
General Surgery is the specialty focused on upfront surgical pricing for hernias, gallbladders, and more — no surprise bills. OpenDoc separates it into focused subspecialty paths so patients can start in the right care lane before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $100 to $9,000 across 29 common visit types. General surgery on OpenDoc offers bundled, all-inclusive pricing for the most common elective operations in America. A cash-pay hernia repair costs $3,000–$6,000 on OpenDoc versus $15,000+ at many hospitals after insurance processing. With 5 ACGME-recognized subspecialties including bariatric and surgical oncology, patients access fellowship-trained surgeons with transparent pre-surgical quotes.
Common services and transparent pricing
Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.
- Surgical Consultation (New Patient) — $175–$350: Surgical Consultation (New Patient) is a common general surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Surgical Follow-Up Visit — $100–$200: Surgical Follow-Up Visit is a common general surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Inguinal Hernia Repair (Laparoscopic) — $3000–$6000: Inguinal Hernia Repair (Laparoscopic) is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Umbilical Hernia Repair — $2500–$5000: Umbilical Hernia Repair is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) — $4000–$8000: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Appendectomy (Laparoscopic) — $4500–$9000: Appendectomy (Laparoscopic) is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Breast Biopsy (Excisional) — $1500–$3500: Breast Biopsy (Excisional) is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Colonoscopy (Surgical) — $1200–$2500: Colonoscopy (Surgical) is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Wound Care Visit — $100–$300: Wound Care Visit is a common general surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Lipoma Excision — $400–$1200: Lipoma Excision is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Pilonidal Cyst Excision — $1500–$3500: Pilonidal Cyst Excision is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Incision and Drainage (Abscess) — $300–$800: Incision and Drainage (Abscess) is a procedure-oriented general surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hernia surgery cost without insurance?
A cash-pay laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair on OpenDoc typically costs $3,000–$6,000 all-inclusive. This bundles the surgeon's fee, facility fee, anesthesia, and mesh. Hospital-based hernia repairs billed through insurance often result in total charges of $10,000–$20,000 before negotiation.
How long is recovery after laparoscopic gallbladder removal?
Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days and full physical activity within 2–3 weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The procedure is performed through 3–4 small incisions, and most patients go home the same day. Your surgeon will provide specific activity restrictions at your post-op visit.
Do I need a referral to see a surgeon on OpenDoc?
No referral is required for cash-pay surgical consultations on OpenDoc. You can search directly for a general surgeon or subspecialist. Many patients use OpenDoc specifically because they want a surgical opinion without waiting for a primary care referral, which can add weeks to the process.
What is the difference between a general surgeon and a surgical subspecialist?
All surgical subspecialists complete general surgery residency first (5–7 years), then pursue an additional 1–2 year fellowship in their area of focus. A bariatric surgeon has extra training in weight-loss procedures, a breast surgeon in oncologic breast techniques, and a colorectal surgeon in colon, rectal, and anorectal operations.
How much does gallbladder surgery cost without insurance?
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy on OpenDoc ranges from $4,000–$8,000 cash-pay, fully bundled. This is the all-in price including surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and pathology. Hospital list prices for the same procedure frequently exceed $15,000–$25,000 before insurance adjustments.
Can I get a second opinion before surgery on OpenDoc?
Absolutely. Many patients use OpenDoc specifically to find a surgeon for a second opinion. You'll receive a transparent evaluation price upfront, and the surgeon will review your imaging, labs, and prior records to give you an independent assessment of whether surgery is indicated.
What should I bring to my surgical consultation?
Bring any relevant imaging (CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays), recent lab work, a list of current medications, and any operative reports from prior surgeries. If you have reports on a CD or in a patient portal, download them beforehand. This helps the surgeon give you a complete assessment in a single visit.
Is bariatric surgery covered on OpenDoc cash-pay?
Yes, bariatric surgeons on OpenDoc offer transparent all-inclusive pricing for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. Cash-pay bariatric surgery typically ranges from $8,000–$15,000 on OpenDoc. Many patients choose cash-pay to avoid the 6–12 month insurance pre-authorization process and mandatory waiting periods.