Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does ACL Surgery (Reconstruction) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| ACL Reconstruction (Patellar Tendon Graft) | $15,000 – $40,000 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| ACL Reconstruction (Hamstring Graft) | $15,000 – $40,000 | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| ACL Reconstruction (Allograft) | $20,000 – $50,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| ACL Repair with Meniscus | $20,000 – $50,000 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: 29888
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Medically necessary — covered after deductible; includes reconstruction and rehab
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
ACL reconstruction costs $15,000 to $50,000 without insurance, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and initial rehabilitation.
Full recovery from ACL surgery takes 6-12 months. Return to competitive sports typically requires 9-12 months of rehabilitation.
Not always. Some patients with partial tears or low activity levels may manage without surgery. However, active individuals typically benefit from reconstruction.