Thoracic Surgery
Surgical treatment of diseases within the chest including the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum
Thoracic Surgery is the specialty focused on surgical treatment of diseases within the chest including the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum. OpenDoc keeps the common visit types visible so patients can compare the care path before they book. Transparent pricing on this page currently ranges from $100 to $15,000 across 12 common visit types. Thoracic Surgeons specialize in surgical diseases of the chest — including lung cancer, esophageal disease, and mediastinal tumors. With lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer death in the US, access to a skilled thoracic surgeon is critical. OpenDoc providers offer consultation and second opinion visits starting at $300, giving patients transparent access to surgical expertise before committing to a hospital system where total thoracic procedure costs can exceed $50,000–$150,000.
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.
- Thoracic Surgery Consultation — $300–$550: Thoracic Surgery Consultation is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Second Opinion Consultation — $350–$650: Second Opinion Consultation is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Pre-Surgical Planning Visit — $250–$450: Pre-Surgical Planning Visit is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Chest CT Review and Interpretation — $100–$250: Chest CT Review and Interpretation is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Mediastinoscopy — $3000–$8000: Mediastinoscopy is a procedure-oriented thoracic surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Lung Biopsy (CT-Guided) — $2000–$5000: Lung Biopsy (CT-Guided) is a procedure-oriented thoracic surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- VATS Diagnostic Procedure — $5000–$15000: VATS Diagnostic Procedure is a procedure-oriented thoracic surgery service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
- Follow-Up Visit (Post-Surgical) — $150–$300: Follow-Up Visit (Post-Surgical) is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Chest Tube Placement Consultation — $200–$400: Chest Tube Placement Consultation is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Pre-Operative Clearance Assessment — $200–$400: Pre-Operative Clearance Assessment is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Pulmonary Function Review (Surgical Candidacy) — $150–$300: Pulmonary Function Review (Surgical Candidacy) is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
- Esophageal Evaluation (Surgical) — $300–$500: Esophageal Evaluation (Surgical) is a common thoracic surgery entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a thoracic surgery consultation cost without insurance?
A thoracic surgery consultation typically costs $300 to $550 cash pay. This includes review of your imaging, pathology reports, and a detailed discussion of surgical options. Second opinion visits for complex cases may cost $350 to $650.
What is the difference between a thoracic surgeon and a cardiothoracic surgeon?
General thoracic surgeons focus on non-cardiac chest diseases — lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall. Cardiothoracic surgeons include cardiac surgery (heart bypass, valve repair). Some surgeons do both, but increasingly the specialties are separate. If your condition involves the lungs or esophagus, you want a general thoracic surgeon.
Do I need a referral to see a thoracic surgeon?
No referral is required for cash-pay visits on OpenDoc. Patients commonly seek thoracic surgery consultations for lung nodules found on CT scans, second opinions on lung cancer treatment plans, or evaluation of esophageal conditions that may require surgery.
How much does lung surgery cost out of pocket?
Surgeon fees for VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) procedures range from $5,000 to $15,000 for the surgical component. Total hospital costs including facility fees, anesthesia, and post-operative care can range from $25,000 to $100,000+. A cash-pay consultation helps you understand the full financial picture before committing to a surgical plan.
What is a mediastinoscopy and why might I need one?
A mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted through an incision above the breastbone to examine and biopsy lymph nodes in the center of the chest (mediastinum). It is commonly used to stage lung cancer by determining whether cancer has spread to mediastinal lymph nodes. Cash-pay cost ranges from $3,000 to $8,000.
Is a second opinion worth it before thoracic surgery?
Yes, especially for lung cancer surgery where the approach (robotic vs. VATS vs. open), extent of resection (wedge vs. lobe), and even the decision between surgery and radiation can differ significantly between surgeons. Studies show 10-30% of surgical plans change after a second opinion in thoracic oncology.
What is VATS surgery?
VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a minimally invasive approach where the surgeon operates through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. Compared to open thoracotomy, VATS typically results in less pain, shorter hospital stays (2-4 days vs. 5-7 days), and faster return to activity. Most lung resections can now be performed with VATS or robotic techniques.
How long is recovery after lung surgery?
Recovery after VATS lobectomy typically involves 2-4 days in the hospital and 4-6 weeks before returning to full activity. Open thoracotomy requires 5-7 hospital days and 6-12 weeks of recovery. Your thoracic surgeon will discuss the expected approach, recovery timeline, and potential complications during your pre-surgical planning visit.