Neurosurgery
Surgical specialists for brain, spine, and peripheral nerve conditions with upfront consultation pricing
Neurosurgery is the specialty focused on surgical specialists for brain, spine, and peripheral nerve conditions with upfront consultation pricing. 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 $130 to $3,500 across 32 common visit types. Neurosurgery consultations through insurance often require multiple referral steps and weeks of waiting, yet over 70% of neurosurgical consultations result in non-operative management recommendations. OpenDoc provides direct access to fellowship-trained neurosurgeons across 6 subspecialties for transparent cash-pay consultations starting at $250, giving patients expert second opinions and surgical planning without prior authorization delays.
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.
- New patient neurosurgical consultation — $300–$500: New patient neurosurgical consultation is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Second opinion consultation — $350–$600: Second opinion consultation is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Spine MRI review and surgical assessment — $250–$450: Spine MRI review and surgical assessment is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Brain MRI review and surgical planning — $300–$500: Brain MRI review and surgical planning is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Surgical planning consultation (complex) — $400–$700: Surgical planning consultation (complex) is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Post-operative follow-up (2 weeks) — $150–$275: Post-operative follow-up (2 weeks) is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Post-operative follow-up (6 weeks / 3 months) — $150–$300: Post-operative follow-up (6 weeks / 3 months) is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Cervical spine MRI without contrast — $350–$800: Cervical spine MRI without contrast is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Lumbar spine MRI without contrast — $350–$800: Lumbar spine MRI without contrast is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- CT myelogram — $600–$1400: CT myelogram is a common neurosurgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Lumbar epidural steroid injection (pre-surgical trial) — $500–$1200: Lumbar epidural steroid injection (pre-surgical trial) is a procedure-oriented neurosurgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Carpal tunnel release (in-office) — $1500–$3500: Carpal tunnel release (in-office) is a procedure-oriented neurosurgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a neurosurgery consultation cost without insurance?
A new patient neurosurgical consultation typically costs $300 to $500 cash-pay. Second opinion consultations, which often involve detailed review of imaging and prior surgical records, range from $350 to $600. These fees cover the surgeon's clinical assessment and recommendation — surgical facility fees are separate and quoted in advance.
Do I need a referral to see a neurosurgeon?
No referral is needed on OpenDoc. Patients can search directly for a neurosurgeon for evaluation of spine problems, brain lesions, nerve injuries, or second opinions. Having recent imaging (MRI, CT) available for your visit is strongly recommended so the surgeon can provide a complete assessment.
What is the difference between a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic spine surgeon?
Both are qualified to perform spine surgery. Neurosurgeons complete a 7-year residency covering the entire nervous system including brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. Orthopedic spine surgeons complete a 5-year orthopedic residency followed by a spine fellowship. For conditions involving the spinal cord, brain, or peripheral nerves, a neurosurgeon is typically preferred.
How much does spine surgery cost with cash pay?
Spine surgery costs vary significantly by procedure. A microdiscectomy at an ambulatory surgery center may cost $8,000 to $20,000 all-inclusive. Lumbar fusion ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 depending on complexity and number of levels. OpenDoc providers quote all-inclusive facility and surgeon fees upfront before you commit.
When should I get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon?
A second opinion is valuable when surgery has been recommended for a non-emergency condition, when you have been told nothing can be done surgically, or when treatment options seem unclear. Many patients seek cash-pay second opinions specifically to get an unbiased assessment without insurance network constraints influencing the recommendation.
Does seeing a neurosurgeon mean I need surgery?
No. The majority of neurosurgical consultations — over 70% by some estimates — result in non-surgical recommendations. Neurosurgeons are experts at determining which conditions truly require surgery and which can be managed conservatively with physical therapy, medications, or injections.
How long is recovery from a minimally invasive spine surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Minimally invasive microdiscectomy patients often return to desk work in 1-2 weeks and full activity in 4-6 weeks. Minimally invasive fusion typically requires 4-6 weeks before returning to light work and 3-6 months for full recovery. Your surgeon will provide a detailed recovery timeline at your consultation.
What imaging do I need before a neurosurgery consultation?
For spine conditions, a recent MRI of the affected spinal region (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) within the past 6-12 months is ideal. For brain conditions, a brain MRI with and without contrast is standard. Cash-pay MRI through OpenDoc providers costs $350 to $1,200 depending on the region and contrast requirements.