Appendectomy cost in Des Moines, IA without insurance
In the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area, the median cash price for Appendectomy is $1,324.00 across 3 hospitals. The lowest, $1,324.00, is at Catholic Health Initiatives-Iowa (West Des Moines) and 1 other hospital. The US median is $3,661.45.
Appendicitis is an emergency, so an appendectomy usually starts in the emergency room with an exam, blood tests and a CT scan, each billed separately. Most appendixes are removed laparoscopically. A ruptured appendix with infection in the belly takes longer and usually means several days in the hospital.
Collected Sep 25, 2026 One price per hospital: its lowest outpatient cash price for the code
Appendectomy prices in Des Moines, IA by type
44970 is laparoscopic appendectomy and is used in the state table; 44950 is open appendectomy; and 44960 is removal of a ruptured appendix with infection.
| Procedure | Hospitals | Lowest | Median | US median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appendectomy Laparoscopic appendectomy (appendix removal through small cuts) · code 44970 | 3 | $1,324.00 | $1,324.00 | $3,661.45 |
| Open appendectomy Appendectomy, open surgery · code 44950 | 3 | $1,401.00 | $1,401.00 | $2,420.35 |
| Appendectomy, ruptured appendix Appendectomy for a ruptured appendix with abscess or peritonitis · code 44960 | 2 | $1,957.00 | $2,053.30 | $1,957.00 |
Outpatient cash prices in Des Moines, IA. Each hospital counts once, at its lowest cash price for the code; prices for both sides of the body and inpatient prices are not mixed in. Pick a procedure to compare every hospital in the area.
Lowest Appendectomy prices in Des Moines, IA
- Catholic Health Initiatives-Iowa, West Des Moines$1,324.00
- MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Des Moines$1,324.00
- UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Des Moines$1,472.80
Appendectomy cost in other areas nearby
Paying cash: what to do
- Because appendicitis is an emergency, you cannot shop around. Ask the hospital for its self-pay discount and financial assistance afterward.
- Ask for an itemized bill and compare it with the hospital's published cash prices.
- Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance; ask for the application.