Price Checker / CPT 51101
How much does Drain Bladder By Trocar/cath cost?
CPT 51101 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
A fair cash price for this is roughly $230–$470.
Fair price
$230–$470
What this should cost
With insurance
~$2,500
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$590
Push back above this
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 Drain Bladder By Trocar/cath
CPT code 51101 refers to drain bladder by trocar/cath (billing description: "Drain bladder by trocar/cath"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $44 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $156 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.