CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care > Hemorrhoid Treatment

Hemorrhoid Treatment Cost

How Much Does Hemorrhoid Treatment Cost?

Low: With insurance coverage: coinsurance, copays and deductibles

Band Ligation or Coagulation Without Insurance: $500-$2,000

High: Surgery Without Insurance: $$9,000-$12,000+

Hemhorroids are enlarged veins, inside the anus -- internal hemorrhoids -- or outside the anus -- external hemorrhoids. They can cause pain, sensitivity, itching and rectal bleeding.

Typical costs:

For patients not covered by insurance, hemorrhoid treatment costs depend on the type of treatment. For rubber band ligation -- sometimes called "banding" -- the cost usually ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on whether the doctor uses one band or three (some studies have shown that using three bands is more effective.) For infrared coagulation, the cost per treatment usually ranges from $400 to $500, with an average of four treatments required, for a total of about $1,600 to $2,000. And surgery, the most expensive method, ranges from about $9,000 to $12,000.
Hemorrhoid treatment usually is covered by health insurance. For example, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, any necessary surgery would be covered, unless it is experimental or covered in a specific exclusion. For patients with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs will be determined by the type of procedure and possibly whether the provider is in-network. Banding and IRC are outpatient procedures, and the copay could range from zero, if the deductible has been met and there is no coinsurance to up to $400 for a 20 percent coinsurance -- or more, if the deductible has not been met. If the patient requires inpatient surgery, the out-of-pocket costs could reach $2,000 or more, depending on deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum.

What should be included:

A doctor can recommend a type of treatment based on the symptoms and characteristics of the hemorrhoids.
For internal, bulging hemorrhoids, rubber band ligation often is used. In this mildly uncomfortable outpatient treatment, the doctor places a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid, cutting off the blood supply. The hemorrhoid and band fall off in a few days.
Another option for some types of hemorrhoids is infrared coagulation (IRC). The doctor uses a small machine to apply infrared radiation to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrink.
For internal or external hemorrhoids, surgery is considered the most complete method of removal and can require hospitalization. The patient is placed under anesthesia, then the doctor takes out or staples off the bleeding or protruding tissue.

Additional costs:

Some doctors charge an initial consultation fee up to $200.
Laser surgery for hemorrhoids is much more expensive than conventional surgery, but it has not been found to be more effective or less painful.
Especially with ligation and IRC, the treated hemorrhoid can return, requiring more treatment.

Discounts:

For mild cases of hemorrhoids, inexpensive home treatments, such as eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, drinking more fluids and sitting in warm baths for 10 minutes at a time often are recommended.

Shopping for hemorrhoid treatment:

If you are diagnosed with hemorrhoids by your regular physician or at a clinic, and it is determined you might need medical treatment, you should be referred to a specialist.
For surgery, look for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Article updated March 2008