Price Checker / CPT 38520
How much does Biopsy/removal Lymph Nodes cost?
CPT 38520 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 19x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$660–$1,300
What this should cost
With insurance
~$3,050
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$1,650
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $18,444 is $17,464 over the fair price (about 19x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Biopsy/removal Lymph Nodes
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Regional Medical Center VERNAL, UT | $18,444 | — | 4083% |
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/removal Lymph Nodes
CPT code 38520 refers to biopsy/removal lymph nodes (billing description: "Biopsy/removal lymph nodes"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $441 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $441 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.