Hospital outpatient
Hospital observation stay cost in California
Compare cash prices for hospital observation stay at hospitals, clinics and other providers.
Typical cash price
In California
From 272 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $233 (most listed prices $160–$477).
Usually included: the facility fee + the doctor's or surgeon's fee.
Good to know: Usually preceded by an ER visit bundle. Labs, imaging, and drugs are billed in addition. Hospitals post an hourly rate only.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Hospital observation stay
The facility fee + the doctor's fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the facility fee + the doctor's fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 272 providers. Most listed prices: $199–$619.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $18.27
- $41.58
- $50.70
- $8.75
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $9.18est. $18.27 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Whittier Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $21.42
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Twin Cities Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $22.24
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services price file · checked Oct 2026 - $22.87
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Anaheim Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $27.54
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Sierra Vista Hospital, Inc. price file · checked Oct 2026 - $32
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Delano price file · checked Oct 2026 - UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoHospital observation stay, per hourFacility fee only$36.30
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $41.57
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Doctors Hospital of Riverside price file · checked Oct 2026 - $27.58est. $41.58 total
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Lodi Memorial Hospital Association Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $44.15
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy Hospitals – Bakersfield price file · checked Oct 2026 - $44.49
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Barstow Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Do I need a referral?
It depends on the service and the provider. Many clinics see self-pay patients directly; call ahead to check.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.