Cost Guides

How Much Does Rotator Cuff Surgery Cost in 2026?

Rotator cuff repair costs $10,000-$35,000 before insurance. Breakdown of arthroscopic vs open repair costs, insurance coverage, and saving tips.

Average Rotator Cuff Repair Cost

Rotator cuff repair in the United States costs $10,000 to $35,000 before insurance in 2026. The range depends on tear size, surgical approach (arthroscopic vs open), facility type, and geographic location.

Arthroscopic repair is typically less expensive than open surgery due to shorter operating room time and lower facility fees.

Cost Breakdown by Component

Component	Cost Range
Surgeon fee	$2,000–$6,000
Facility fee	$5,000–$20,000
Anesthesia	$1,500–$3,000
MRI (pre-op)	$500–$2,000
Sling/brace	$50–$200
Physical therapy (4-6 months)	$3,000–$8,000
Total before insurance	$10,000–$35,000

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover rotator cuff repair when conservative treatment (physical therapy, injections) has failed — typically after 3-6 months of documented non-surgical treatment.

Prior authorization is usually required. Your surgeon's office handles this.

Cost by City

City	Rotator Cuff Repair Cost
New York, NY	$20,000–$35,000
Los Angeles, CA	$18,000–$30,000
Chicago, IL	$14,000–$25,000
Houston, TX	$12,000–$22,000
Phoenix, AZ	$10,000–$20,000

How to Save

Choose an outpatient surgery center over a hospital when possible
Stay in-network to maximize insurance benefits
Ask about bundled pricing that includes surgery + initial PT
Time surgery after meeting your deductible
Compare surgeon fees — they vary significantly within the same city

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover rotator cuff surgery?

Yes, most plans cover it when conservative treatment has failed. Documentation of 3-6 months of PT and/or injections is typically required.

How much is rotator cuff surgery with insurance?

With insurance, most patients pay $2,000-$5,000 out of pocket depending on their deductible and coinsurance.

Is arthroscopic cheaper than open repair?

Generally yes. Arthroscopic repair has shorter OR time and lower facility fees, saving $3,000-$8,000.

Does the tear size affect cost?

Larger tears require longer surgery and sometimes additional anchors, which can increase the cost by $2,000-$5,000.

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