Price Checker / CPT 78645
How much does Csf Shunt Evaluation cost?
CPT 78645 · Based on 2026 Medicare rates and hospital-published pricing
The average hospital charge is a bit above the fair range. It may be worth asking for the cash/self-pay rate.
Fair price
$1,450–$1,700
What this should cost
With insurance
~$1,650
Typical out-of-pocket
Overcharged if over
$2,150
Push back above this
The average hospital charge of $1,881 is $281 over the fair price.
What hospitals charge for Csf Shunt Evaluation
From hospital-published transparency (MRF) files. These are the hospitals in our database that list this procedure.
| Hospital | Gross Charge | Cash Rate | vs Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| UM Capital Region Medical Center Largo, MD | $2,510 | — | 780% |
| UM Laurel Medical Center Laurel, MD | $2,475 | — | 768% |
| Frederick Health Hospital FREDERICK, MD | $1,928 | — | 576% |
| Meritus Medical Center, Inc. HAGERSTOWN, MD | $1,657 | — | 481% |
| UM Charles Regional Medical Center La Plata, MD | $1,573 | — | 451% |
| UM St. Joseph Medical Center Towson, MD | $1,142 | — | 300% |
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 Csf Shunt Evaluation
CPT code 78645 refers to csf shunt evaluation (billing description: "Csf shunt evaluation"). Under the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, it is reimbursed at $285 in a facility (hospital or surgery center) and $285 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.