Price Checker / CPT 35820
How much does Explore Chest Vessels cost?
CPT 35820 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is roughly 4.3x the fair price. This is well above fair — push back or dispute it.
Fair price
$2,800–$2,900
What this should cost
With insurance
~$3,050
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$3,650
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $12,360 is $9,510 over the fair price (about 4.3x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Explore Chest Vessels
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls Community Hospital , ID | $12,360 | — | 430% |
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 Explore Chest Vessels
CPT code 35820 refers to explore chest vessels (billing description: "Explore chest vessels"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $1,871 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $1,871 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.