Prostate surgery expenses, 1991

During 1991, average total charges for a radical prostatectomy among MetLife group health policy holders and dependents averaged $18,140; comparable charges for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were $7,970. The Pacific area reported the highest average total charges for both procedures--charges 25 percent above the U.S. average for both surgeries. Among the 14 states with 10 or more radical prostatectomies reported to MetLife, California led with total charges of $24,850 (37 percent above the U.S. average) and Minnesota reported the lowest average total charges ($12,480, 31 percent lower than the norm). In the 32 states with 10 or more TURPs during 1991, the charges ranged from the highest in Massachusetts ($11,250, 41 percent above average) to the lowest in Washington ($5,170,35 percent below the United States). Just over two-thirds of the total charges for each surgical procedure was due to the hospital portion of the bill. Physician charges were more than twice as high for a radical prostatectomy than for a TURP, e.g., $5,730 versus $2,630. Hospital stays averaged 7.5 days for a radical prostatectomy and 4.3 days for a TURP. The stays were longest in New Jersey for both procedures.