C-section, with major complications in Colorado
MS-DRG 786: Cesarean section without sterilization with mcc
Colorado hospitals compared
Billed (list price)Actually paid (Medicare + patient)
| Hospital | City | Medicare stays | Billed | Paid | Cash price | Insurers (median) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Hospital Authority | Aurora | – | – | – | – | $8,200$2,657–$22,030 · 27 plans |
Medicare: CMS, 2024 (hospitals with 11 or more Medicare stays). Cash and insurer prices: hospitals' own price files, where read; insurer figures are commercial plans only, median and 10th–90th percentile across plans.
What it is
A cesarean section (C-section) is the delivery of a baby through a surgical cut in the abdomen and uterus. About one in three US births is a C-section. Medicare covers few births, so the Medicare figures here come from a small number of patients.
This page covers the most complex version: patients who also had a major complication or serious additional condition, such as kidney failure, a severe infection or respiratory failure. These stays are longer and cost more.
What to expect
The operation takes under an hour, usually with spinal anesthesia. The hospital stay is typically two to four days.
What moves the bill
Operating room and anesthesia charges, the length of stay, and any complications. The baby's care and the doctors' fees are billed separately.
General information, not medical advice.
Before you go
- Ask for an estimate. Hospitals must give uninsured and self-pay patients a written good-faith estimate before planned care.
- Check the network. Confirm that the hospital and the doctors are in your plan's network.
- Ask about financial help. Non-profit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy; many discount or forgive bills by income.
- Get an itemized bill. Compare it with the estimate and question anything you don't recognise.