Methodology

How ProcedureFinder calculates and updates cash-pay cost ranges for elective medical procedures.

Data sources

National cost ranges shown on ProcedureFinder are blended from the following sources:

• Published clinic pricing - public-facing price ranges, packages, and procedure menus on clinic websites across the US.
• Patient-reported costs - aggregated data from survey responses and forum discussions on procedure pricing paid out-of-pocket.
• Industry pricing reports - published category benchmarks from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), CDC Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) reports, and category-specific surveys.
• Direct clinic surveys - confidential pricing data submitted by clinics participating in our directory.

Cost range definitions

• Low end - 10th percentile observed price. Represents budget clinics, lower-tier markets, and basic technology platforms.
• Median - the middle of observed pricing. The most common quote a typical patient receives.
• High end - 90th percentile observed price. Represents premium markets (Manhattan, Beverly Hills), board-certified specialists, and premium technology or materials.

Metro adjustment

Metro-level prices are calculated by applying a market cost index to the national range. The cost index is built from:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics regional cost-of-living data
• Real estate and commercial rent benchmarks
• Healthcare wage index data from CMS
• Observed clinic pricing differentials within each market

A cost index of 1.00 represents the US national average. Manhattan and San Francisco typically run 1.30-1.42x, while Oklahoma City and Memphis run 0.88-0.92x.

What is and is not included

Cost ranges represent typical inclusion bundles for each procedure. We always list what is included on the procedure page. Common exclusions:

• Medications (especially for IVF cycles)
• Pre-existing conditions or revision cases
• Travel and lodging for medical tourism comparisons
• Long-term maintenance (TRT subscriptions, filler touch-ups, etc.)

Update frequency

Cost ranges are reviewed quarterly. Major shifts in category pricing (new FDA approvals, technology rollouts, market entry of major chains) trigger off-cycle updates. We display the year on each cost page.

Limitations

The cost figures on ProcedureFinder are estimates, not quotes. Individual pricing depends on patient anatomy, complications, surgeon experience, and dozens of clinic-specific factors. Always obtain a written quote from a licensed provider before making a financial commitment.

We do not have access to insurance-negotiated rates, hospital chargemaster data, or government-paid reimbursement. All ranges reflect cash-pay (self-pay) pricing as observed in the market.

Questions, corrections, or clinic submissions

If you have observed pricing that differs significantly from what we publish, or you operate a clinic and want to submit your standard rate sheet, contact us at [email protected]. Confidential submissions are accepted.