Price Checker / CPT 69440
How much does Exploration Of Middle Ear cost?
CPT 69440 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is in line with what this normally costs. No need to dispute.
Fair price
$2,650–$3,150
What this should cost
With insurance
~$3,200
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$3,950
Push back above this
What hospitals charge for Exploration Of Middle Ear
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Hospital Center New York, NY | — | — | -100% |
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 Exploration Of Middle Ear
CPT code 69440 refers to exploration of middle ear (billing description: "Exploration of middle ear"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $624 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $624 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.