Price Checker / CPT 31730
How much does Intro Windpipe Wire/tube cost?
CPT 31730 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is in line with what this normally costs. No need to dispute.
Fair price
$3,250–$3,850
What this should cost
With insurance
~$2,500
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$4,800
Push back above this
What hospitals charge for Intro Windpipe Wire/tube
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico Hospital , NM | $338 | — | 624% |
| UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center , NM | $338 | — | 624% |
| Muenster Memorial Hospital Muenster, TX | $3,000 | — | 79% |
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 Intro Windpipe Wire/tube
CPT code 31730 refers to intro windpipe wire/tube (billing description: "Intro windpipe wire/tube"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $133 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $1,175 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.