U.S.: Transplantation Costs, by organ type
OrganAvg. amount billed,
in $US
Heart1,664,800
Intestine1,240,700
Bone marrow- allogenic1,071,700
Lung (single)929,600
Liver878,400
Bone marrow- autologuous471,600
Kidney442,500
Pancreas408,800
Cornea32,500
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: as of 2020
  • Published: Jan 2020

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Heart Transplants are the Most Expensive

Heart transplants top the list with an average billing of $1,664,800, making them the most expensive organ transplant procedure in the United States.

Cornea Transplants are the Least Expensive

Cornea transplants have the lowest average billing at $32,500, indicating a significant cost disparity in organ transplant procedures.

Significant Cost Disparity Among Organ Transplants

The cost difference between the most expensive (heart) and the least expensive (cornea) transplant is $1,632,300, highlighting the vast financial range within organ transplant procedures.

Average Cost of Organ Transplants

The average cost of organ transplants across the board is approximately $793,400, reflecting the high financial burden of these life-saving procedures.

Liver Transplants Closest Above the Average Cost

Liver transplants are the closest above the average cost, with an average billing of $878,400, slightly over the overall average, positioning them as a mid-range option in terms of cost.

Majority of Transplants Exceed Half a Million Dollars

Most organ transplants have costs exceeding half a million dollars, underscoring the substantial financial implications of these critical medical procedures.

High Cost Variability Amongst Organ Transplants

The range of costs from the least to the most expensive transplant exceeds $1.6 million, illustrating the high variability and complexity involved in the pricing of organ transplant procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive organ transplant procedure in the United States?

The heart transplant is the most expensive organ transplant procedure, with an average cost of $1,664,800.

Which organ transplant procedure has the lowest average cost?

The cornea transplant has the lowest average cost, costing around $32,500.

What is the cost difference between the most and least expensive organ transplant?

The cost disparity between the most expensive (heart) and the least expensive (cornea) transplant is a staggering $1,632,300.

What is the average cost of organ transplants overall?

Across all types, the average cost of organ transplants is approximately $793,400.

Terms and Definitions

A surgical operation where a failing or damaged organ in the human body is replaced with a healthy organ from a donor. Organs that are commonly transplanted include the kidney, heart, liver, and lung.

An individual who provides an organ, or allows a healthy organ to be removed from their body, for the purpose of organ transplantation. There are two types of donors: living donors (often relatives) who donate one of their kidneys or a portion of their liver, and deceased donors who have been declared brain-dead.

The person receiving the organ transplant. The recipient's organ has usually failed or been damaged by disease or injury, and they need a new organ to live.

The total expense of medical treatments and procedures, including diagnostics, medications, and therapeutic devices. This also refers to administrative fees, overhead costs, and any other expenses related to the provision of healthcare services.

A contractual relationship where an individual or entity receives financial protection or reimbursement against losses from an insurance company. In the context of organ transplants, insurance coverage may help pay for a portion or the total cost of the surgery and recovery process.

These refer to medical costs that are not covered by insurance and must be paid directly by the patient. This can include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

A system used to prioritize patients who are in urgent need of an organ transplant. When a donor organ becomes available, the organ is offered to the patient at the top of the waitlist.

Healthcare services provided to transplant recipients after the surgery. This includes medications to prevent rejection of the new organ and regular check-ups to ensure the transplanted organ is functioning well and to monitor for any complications.

A serious complication where the recipient's immune system identifies the new organ as foreign and attacks it. This reaction can lead to organ failure and may require the patient to undergo another transplantation procedure.
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