Price Checker / CPT 36500
How much does Insertion Of Catheter Vein cost?
CPT 36500 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 84x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$240–$480
What this should cost
With insurance
~$82,900
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$600
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $30,322 is $29,962 over the fair price (about 84x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Insertion Of Catheter Vein
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkland Health Center - Bonne Terre BONNE TERRE, MO | $30,630 | $18,378 | 19005% |
| Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital SULLIVAN, MO | $30,183 | $18,110 | 18726% |
| Parkland Health Center FARMINGTON, MO | $30,154 | $18,092 | 18708% |
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 Insertion Of Catheter Vein
CPT code 36500 refers to insertion of catheter vein (billing description: "Insertion of catheter vein"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $160 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $160 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.