Price Checker / CPT 21184
How much does Reconstruct Cranial Bone cost?
CPT 21184 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
A fair cash price for this is roughly $5,100–$6,000.
Fair price
$5,100–$6,000
What this should cost
With insurance
~$3,600
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$7,500
Push back above this
Were you billed for this procedure?
Send us your bill and we'll compare every line item against Medicare rates and your hospital's published prices. Free review, no obligation.
About Reconstruct Cranial Bone
CPT code 21184 refers to reconstruct cranial bone (billing description: "Reconstruct cranial bone"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $2,154 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $2,154 in a doctor's office.
The Medicare rate is the closest thing to an objective "what this work is actually worth." A fair cash price for the uninsured is generally 1.5–3x that rate. Hospital sticker (gross) charges are often far higher — but almost nobody actually pays them.
What to do if you were overcharged
- 1Send us your bill — we'll identify this code and compare it against the rates shown above.
- 2Get a dispute letter — citing the Medicare rate and your hospital's own published pricing data.
- 3We negotiate for you — 25% of savings, no savings = no fee.