Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Prostatectomy Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy | $15,000 – $30,000 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Laparoscopic Prostatectomy | $12,000 – $25,000 | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Open Radical Prostatectomy | $10,000 – $25,000 | $2,000 – $5,500 |
CPT/ADA Code: 55840
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 for prostate cancer treatment
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
Prostatectomy costs $10,000 to $30,000 without insurance. Robotic-assisted procedures cost more but may offer faster recovery.
Common side effects include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Many patients see improvement in these areas over 6-12 months.
Hospital stay is 1-2 days for robotic surgery. Most patients return to normal activities in 4-6 weeks.