Surgery
Open chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy) cost in California
Open chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy) usually involves several bills: the facility, the doctor or surgeon, and often anesthesia. Some surgery centers and cash-pay programs quote one bundled price for everything.
Typical cash price
In California
From 48 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $2,158 (most listed prices $510–$7,325).
Cheapest in California
- $656
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $787
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Green Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Memorial Hospital EncinitasOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$787
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Memorial Hospital La JollaOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$787
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula VistaOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$787
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista price file · checked Oct 2026 - Scripps Mercy Hospital San DiegoOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$787
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $798
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Valley Presbyterian Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Loma Linda University Children's HospitalOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$825
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Children's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - NorthBay Health Medical CenterOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$868
Doctor fees are billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: NorthBay Health Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $937
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Contra Costa Regional Medical CenterOpen chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)Facility fee only$1,050
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,148
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Huntington Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Open chest surgery to explore the chest (thoracotomy)
Common questions
What does a bundled price include?
A bundled (all-in) price usually covers the facility, the surgeon and anesthesia for the procedure itself. Pre-op tests, implants, pathology and follow-up visits are sometimes extra. Ask for a written Good Faith Estimate.
Do I need a referral?
You usually need a consultation with the surgeon or specialist first. Ask whether the consultation is included in the cash price.
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.