Suction Assisted Removal Of Fat Of Arm

What the Data Says About Suction Assisted Removal Of Fat Of Arm

Across 0 states with reporting providers, CPT code 15878 (Suction Assisted Removal Of Fat Of Arm) shows a national average Medicare payment of $396.95 against an average billed charge of $6,497.73. That gap — a 16.4x markup, or 1537% above the Medicare allowed amount — reflects chargemaster pricing, not what most insured patients actually pay. Medicare's negotiated rate is the statutory benchmark; commercial insurers typically settle between the two figures based on network contracts.

Skin/Integumentary Surgery procedures like this one saw 20 services billed to Medicare in 2023 by 14 distinct providers, serving 18 unique beneficiaries. Regional variation is limited in the underlying CMS file. Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) explain much of that spread — local malpractice premiums, practice expense, and physician work adjustments all shift the allowed amount even when the procedure is identical.

Applying RAND 2024 commercial-to-Medicare ratios specific to the Skin/Integumentary Surgery category (2.24x), the estimated commercial insurance price lands near $1,115.85, with self-pay cash discounts commonly bringing the figure closer to $2,160.49. Uninsured patients facing the full billed charge have the strongest leverage to negotiate — the Hospital Price Transparency Rule (effective January 2021) requires providers to publish standard charges, cash rates, and payer-specific negotiated prices. This data is for educational reference; confirm coverage and out-of-pocket exposure with your insurer before any procedure.