Price Checker / CPT 68801
How much does Dilate Tear Duct Opening cost?
CPT 68801 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is around 42x the fair price — among the most extreme markups. Dispute this.
Fair price
$460–$540
What this should cost
With insurance
~$2,250
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$680
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $20,852 is $20,352 over the fair price (about 42x the fair rate).
What hospitals charge for Dilate Tear Duct Opening
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominican Hospital SANTA CRUZ, CA | — | — | 28711% |
| Arroyo Grande Community Hospital , CA | — | — | 15211% |
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 Dilate Tear Duct Opening
CPT code 68801 refers to dilate tear duct opening (billing description: "Dilate tear duct opening"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $72 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $95 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.