Price Checker / CPT 21550
How much does Biopsy Of Neck/chest cost?
CPT 21550 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 15x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$410–$820
What this should cost
With insurance
~$2,550
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$1,050
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $9,463 is $8,843 over the fair price (about 15x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Biopsy Of Neck/chest
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seton Medical Center Coastside , CA | $12,545 | — | 4514% |
| Marshfield Medical Center River Region Hospital STEVENS POINT, WI | $6,381 | $6,062 | 2247% |
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 Biopsy Of Neck/chest
CPT code 21550 refers to biopsy of neck/chest (billing description: "Biopsy of neck/chest"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $144 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $272 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.