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Removal Of A Surface Lymph Node

Washington, DC rates for HCPCS 38500

This procedure surgically removes or samples a lymph node located close to the skin surface, such as in the neck, armpit, or groin, through an open incision. It is used to evaluate swollen or abnormal lymph nodes, often to check for infection or cancer. The node reached is a superficial one rather than one deep inside the body.

Rates data updated July 2026.

How much does Removal Of A Surface Lymph Node cost?

$355

Typical physician fee. In Washington, DC, July 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $355 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $263 to $891.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $3,548 · 10th to 90th $355 to $7,762Professionalmedian $324 · 10th to 90th $245 to $457
$500$1K$2K$5K$10K$20Kfacility $3,548professional $324

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Each curve is scaled to its own total: facility and professional rates are different services, shown together to compare where they cluster. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$263.03
Median
$3,388.44
Typical High
$4,570.88
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$245.47
Median
$323.59
Typical High
$371.54
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$239.88
Median
$3,548.13
Typical High
$8,128.31
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$263.03
Median
$371.54
Typical High
$776.25
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$398.11
Median
$588.84
Typical High
$776.25
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$2,344.23
Median
$10,000.00
Typical High
$26,302.68
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
Global
Typical Low
$245.47
Median
$446.68
Typical High
$812.83

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 6.5 times more in Hawaii than in Rhode Island. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Washington, DC· 44th of 51

$355

HI $1,950RI $302

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.