Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment designed to shrink non-cancerous growths, known as fibroids, within the uterus. The procedure involves blocking the blood supply to these growths, offering an alternative to traditional surgery. For individuals exploring UFE, the financial burden is a major concern. Understanding the initial cost, the variables that affect the final price, and the impact of insurance is necessary for financial planning.
The Baseline Price Range for UFE
The initial “sticker price” for a UFE procedure, representing the total amount billed before insurance or discounts, shows significant variability across the United States. Without insurance coverage, the cost for the UFE procedure often falls between $15,000 and $40,000 or more. Cash-pay prices offered by specialized clinics may be lower, sometimes ranging between $10,000 and $15,000.
This baseline figure typically encompasses the interventional radiologist’s fee and the facility charge for the embolization procedure. This price frequently excludes other necessary components of care. Costs for pre-operative diagnostic imaging, such as a pelvic MRI, and follow-up appointments and scans are often billed separately from the main procedure.
Factors Influencing the Total Cost
The wide fluctuation in the total billed amount for UFE is driven by several factors related to where and by whom the procedure is performed. Facility fees represent the largest component of the bill, reflecting the overhead and operational costs of the location.
Performing the procedure in a large hospital setting often results in significantly higher facility fees compared to an independent Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). Procedures performed in a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) can cost thousands of dollars more than the same procedure done in a dedicated ASC. Geographic variation further compounds this price difference, with costs in major metropolitan areas typically being greater than in rural regions.
The professional fees for the medical team also contribute to the variance. This includes the fees charged by the interventional radiologist, the anesthesiologist, and any assisting medical staff. Ancillary costs are added for specialized supplies, such as embolic agents and catheters, as well as the advanced imaging equipment, like fluoroscopy or angiography, required during the procedure.
Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
UFE is generally recognized as a treatment for symptomatic fibroids and is typically covered by most major health insurance carriers, including private plans, Medicare, and Medicaid. Coverage does not mean the procedure is free, however, and patients must navigate deductibles, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. Obtaining pre-authorization from the insurer is necessary before scheduling the procedure to confirm coverage and avoid claim denials.
The patient’s financial responsibility begins with the deductible, which must be met before the insurance company starts covering costs. After the deductible is met, co-insurance typically requires the patient to pay a percentage of the remaining bill, commonly 10% to 20%, until the annual out-of-pocket maximum is reached.
For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, many hospitals and specialized fibroid centers offer financial assistance programs. These institutions may also provide structured payment plans or accept third-party medical financing options to manage the cost over time.
Financial Comparison to Surgical Alternatives
The financial outcome for UFE is often more favorable than for surgical alternatives like myomectomy or hysterectomy, even if the sticker price appears comparable. This is largely due to the differences in facility fees and recovery-related expenses.
Since UFE is minimally invasive, it is frequently performed on an outpatient basis or requires a hospital stay of only one night. Major surgical procedures, by contrast, typically involve longer inpatient hospital stays, which increase facility costs.
The reduced recovery time following UFE translates directly into lower indirect costs for the patient. Recovery from UFE is often measured in days, allowing a return to work much sooner than the several weeks required after an open myomectomy or hysterectomy. This minimized time off work results in a lower financial burden from lost wages.