MS-DRG 788North Carolina

C-Section Cost in North Carolina (2026)

Last updated: May 2026

A hospital C-section (cesarean delivery) costs $16,430 on average without insurance in North Carolina, based on CMS inpatient MS-DRG 788 data from 50 hospitals. Published cash prices range from $8,283 to $37,796 for the full hospital stay — not a single line-item charge. These figures come from federally required hospital price transparency files, not national estimates.

50 hospitals in North Carolina report pricing for c-section. The average cash price is $16,430.

Compare Prices Near You

Hospitals

in North Carolina

Average List Price

$28,341

gross charge

Average Cash Price

$16,430

42% below list price

Price Range

$8,283 – $37,796

4.6x spread

Hospital Prices in North Carolina

Sorted by lowest cash price

Hospital	City	List Price	Cash Price	Negotiated Range	Grade
SAMPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Government - Local	CLINTON	$13,238	$9,266-30%	$3,273 – $13,238	0.1/10
IREDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INC Voluntary non-profit - Private	STATESVILLE	$37,796	$10,205-73%	$3,835 – $34,017	0.1/10
CAROLINA EAST MEDICAL CENTER Government - Hospital District or Authority	NEW BERN	$19,671	$11,803-40%	$5,232 – $23,853	0.1/10
CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER/BEHAV HEALTH Government - Hospital District or Authority	CHARLOTTE	$19,671	$11,803-40%	$5,232 – $23,853	0.1/10
THE OUTER BANKS HOSPITAL, INC Voluntary non-profit - Private	NAGS HEAD	N/A	$12,778	$3,634 – $16,185	0.1/10
VIDANT DUPLIN HOSPITAL Government - Local	KENANSVILLE	N/A	$12,834	$4,909 – $16,257	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH ROWAN MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	SALISBURY	$28,321	$14,161-50%	$9,405 – $1,130,755	0.1/10
VIDANT ROANOKE CHOWAN HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	AHOSKIE	N/A	$15,227	$4,909 – $19,491	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH BALLANTYNE MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	CHARLOTTE	$30,820	$15,410-50%	$7,689 – $1,266,639	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH HUNTERSVILLE MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	HUNTERSVILLE	$31,271	$15,636-50%	$7,689 – $1,054,931	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH MINT HILL MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	CHARLOTTE	$31,282	$15,641-50%	$7,689 – $1,282,667	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH MATTHEWS MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Other	MATTHEWS	$31,339	$15,669-50%	$7,689 – $1,376,984	0.1/10
PENDER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Government - Local	BURGAW	$35,714	$16,071-55%	$2,184 – $1,706,964	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Government - Local	WILMINGTON	$35,714	$16,071-55%	$4,882 – $1,257,940	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	CHARLOTTE	$33,035	$16,518-50%	$7,689 – $1,145,021	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH BRUNSWICK MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Other	SUPPLY	$30,522	$16,787-45%	$10,809 – $1,273,612	0.1/10
VIDANT EDGECOMBE HOSPITAL Government - Local	TARBORO	N/A	$18,859	$4,909 – $23,889	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH THOMASVILLE MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	THOMASVILLE	$29,510	$19,182-35%	$9,405 – $1,214,152	0.1/10
VIDANT CHOWAN HOSPITAL Government - Local	EDENTON	N/A	$19,373	$3,082 – $24,540	0.1/10
ECU HEALTH BERTIE HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	WINDSOR	N/A	$20,336	$2,216 – $26,301	0.1/10
ECU HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	GREENVILLE	N/A	$20,883	$1,721 – $29,119	0.1/10
ECU HEALTH NORTH HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	ROANOKE RAPIDS	N/A	$20,983	$5,143 – $23,781	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH MEDICAL PARK HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Other	WINSTON-SALEM	$32,908	$21,390-35%	$9,405 – $1,406,926	0.1/10
NOVANT HEALTH FORSYTH MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	WINSTON-SALEM	$33,173	$21,562-35%	$9,405 – $1,045,155	0.1/10
GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEMS Government - Local	OXFORD	$27,866	$22,293-20%	$3,741 – $27,866	0.1/10
RANDOLPH HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	ASHEBORO	$8,283	N/A	$1,657 – $18,632	0.1/10
WILKES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Government - Local	NORTH WILKESBORO	N/A	N/A	$7,544 – $13,671	0.1/10
ADVENTHEALTH HENDERSONVILLE Voluntary non-profit - Private	HENDERSONVILLE	N/A	N/A	$1,730 – $20,957	0.1/10
ATRIUM HEALTH UNIVERSITY CITY Government - Hospital District or Authority	CHARLOTTE	N/A	N/A	$7,410 – $12,686	0.1/10
HUGH CHATHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	ELKIN	N/A	N/A	$5,829 – $9,109	0.1/10
THE MCDOWELL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	MARION	N/A	N/A	$1,432 – $35,261	0.1/10
ONSLOW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Government - Hospital District or Authority	JACKSONVILLE	N/A	N/A	$8,130 – $10,287	0.1/10
CAROMONT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	GASTONIA	N/A	N/A	$7,600 – $244,826	0.1/10
ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	FRANKLIN	N/A	N/A	$2,208 – $38,627	0.1/10
CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHEAST Government - Hospital District or Authority	CONCORD	N/A	N/A	$7,410 – $13,149	0.1/10
LEXINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INC Voluntary non-profit - Private	LEXINGTON	N/A	N/A	$4,594 – $9,533	0.1/10
NORTH CAROLINA SPECIALTY HOSPITAL Proprietary	DURHAM	N/A	N/A	$4,777 – $6,387	0.1/10
COLUMBUS REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Voluntary non-profit - Other	WHITEVILLE	N/A	N/A	$7,246 – $8,493	0.1/10
ALLEGHANY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	SPARTA	N/A	N/A	$10,000 – $10,000	0.1/10
FIRSTHEALTH MOORE REGIONAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	PINEHURST	N/A	N/A	$3,610 – $14,140	0.1/10
TRANSYLVANIA REGIONAL HOSPITAL, INC Voluntary non-profit - Private	BREVARD	N/A	N/A	$1,527 – $38,627	0.1/10
CAPE FEAR VALLEY HOKE HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	RAEFORD	N/A	N/A	$896 – $21,534	0.1/10
STANLY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	ALBEMARLE	N/A	N/A	$7,838 – $12,413	0.1/10
CAPE FEAR VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Private	FAYETTEVILLE	N/A	N/A	$896 – $21,060	0.1/10
HIGHLANDS CASHIERS HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	HIGHLANDS	N/A	N/A	$1,592 – $38,627	0.1/10
DUKE HEALTH LAKE NORMAN HOSPITAL Proprietary	MOORESVILLE	N/A	N/A	$4,568 – $19,779	0.1/10
HIGH POINT REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM Voluntary non-profit - Private	HIGH POINT	N/A	N/A	$7,096 – $13,711	0.1/10
BLUE RIDGE REGIONAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	SPRUCE PINE	N/A	N/A	$1,723 – $38,627	0.1/10
MEMORIAL MISSION HOSPITAL AND ASHEVILLE SURGERY CE Voluntary non-profit - Private	ASHEVILLE	N/A	N/A	$1,299 – $41,992	0.1/10
BETSY JOHNSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private	DUNN	N/A	N/A	$896 – $21,060	0.1/10

SAMPSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

CLINTON, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

$13,238

Cash Price

$9,266-30%

Negotiated Range

$3,273 – $13,238

IREDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INC

STATESVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$37,796

Cash Price

$10,205-73%

Negotiated Range

$3,835 – $34,017

CAROLINA EAST MEDICAL CENTER

NEW BERN, NC · Government - Hospital District or Authority

0.1/10

List Price

$19,671

Cash Price

$11,803-40%

Negotiated Range

$5,232 – $23,853

CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER/BEHAV HEALTH

CHARLOTTE, NC · Government - Hospital District or Authority

0.1/10

List Price

$19,671

Cash Price

$11,803-40%

Negotiated Range

$5,232 – $23,853

THE OUTER BANKS HOSPITAL, INC

NAGS HEAD, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$12,778

Negotiated Range

$3,634 – $16,185

VIDANT DUPLIN HOSPITAL

KENANSVILLE, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$12,834

Negotiated Range

$4,909 – $16,257

NOVANT HEALTH ROWAN MEDICAL CENTER

SALISBURY, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$28,321

Cash Price

$14,161-50%

Negotiated Range

$9,405 – $1,130,755

VIDANT ROANOKE CHOWAN HOSPITAL

AHOSKIE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$15,227

Negotiated Range

$4,909 – $19,491

NOVANT HEALTH BALLANTYNE MEDICAL CENTER

CHARLOTTE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$30,820

Cash Price

$15,410-50%

Negotiated Range

$7,689 – $1,266,639

NOVANT HEALTH HUNTERSVILLE MEDICAL CENTER

HUNTERSVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$31,271

Cash Price

$15,636-50%

Negotiated Range

$7,689 – $1,054,931

NOVANT HEALTH MINT HILL MEDICAL CENTER

CHARLOTTE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$31,282

Cash Price

$15,641-50%

Negotiated Range

$7,689 – $1,282,667

NOVANT HEALTH MATTHEWS MEDICAL CENTER

MATTHEWS, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Other

0.1/10

List Price

$31,339

Cash Price

$15,669-50%

Negotiated Range

$7,689 – $1,376,984

PENDER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

BURGAW, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

$35,714

Cash Price

$16,071-55%

Negotiated Range

$2,184 – $1,706,964

NOVANT HEALTH NEW HANOVER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

WILMINGTON, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

$35,714

Cash Price

$16,071-55%

Negotiated Range

$4,882 – $1,257,940

NOVANT HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER

CHARLOTTE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$33,035

Cash Price

$16,518-50%

Negotiated Range

$7,689 – $1,145,021

NOVANT HEALTH BRUNSWICK MEDICAL CENTER

SUPPLY, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Other

0.1/10

List Price

$30,522

Cash Price

$16,787-45%

Negotiated Range

$10,809 – $1,273,612

VIDANT EDGECOMBE HOSPITAL

TARBORO, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$18,859

Negotiated Range

$4,909 – $23,889

NOVANT HEALTH THOMASVILLE MEDICAL CENTER

THOMASVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$29,510

Cash Price

$19,182-35%

Negotiated Range

$9,405 – $1,214,152

VIDANT CHOWAN HOSPITAL

EDENTON, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$19,373

Negotiated Range

$3,082 – $24,540

ECU HEALTH BERTIE HOSPITAL

WINDSOR, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$20,336

Negotiated Range

$2,216 – $26,301

ECU HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER

GREENVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$20,883

Negotiated Range

$1,721 – $29,119

ECU HEALTH NORTH HOSPITAL

ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

$20,983

Negotiated Range

$5,143 – $23,781

NOVANT HEALTH MEDICAL PARK HOSPITAL

WINSTON-SALEM, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Other

0.1/10

List Price

$32,908

Cash Price

$21,390-35%

Negotiated Range

$9,405 – $1,406,926

NOVANT HEALTH FORSYTH MEDICAL CENTER

WINSTON-SALEM, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$33,173

Cash Price

$21,562-35%

Negotiated Range

$9,405 – $1,045,155

GRANVILLE HEALTH SYSTEMS

OXFORD, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

$27,866

Cash Price

$22,293-20%

Negotiated Range

$3,741 – $27,866

RANDOLPH HOSPITAL

ASHEBORO, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

$8,283

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,657 – $18,632

WILKES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

NORTH WILKESBORO, NC · Government - Local

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,544 – $13,671

ADVENTHEALTH HENDERSONVILLE

HENDERSONVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,730 – $20,957

ATRIUM HEALTH UNIVERSITY CITY

CHARLOTTE, NC · Government - Hospital District or Authority

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,410 – $12,686

HUGH CHATHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

ELKIN, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$5,829 – $9,109

THE MCDOWELL HOSPITAL

MARION, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,432 – $35,261

ONSLOW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

JACKSONVILLE, NC · Government - Hospital District or Authority

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$8,130 – $10,287

CAROMONT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

GASTONIA, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,600 – $244,826

ANGEL MEDICAL CENTER

FRANKLIN, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$2,208 – $38,627

CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHEAST

CONCORD, NC · Government - Hospital District or Authority

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,410 – $13,149

LEXINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INC

LEXINGTON, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$4,594 – $9,533

NORTH CAROLINA SPECIALTY HOSPITAL

DURHAM, NC · Proprietary

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$4,777 – $6,387

COLUMBUS REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

WHITEVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Other

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,246 – $8,493

ALLEGHANY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

SPARTA, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$10,000 – $10,000

FIRSTHEALTH MOORE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

PINEHURST, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$3,610 – $14,140

TRANSYLVANIA REGIONAL HOSPITAL, INC

BREVARD, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,527 – $38,627

CAPE FEAR VALLEY HOKE HOSPITAL

RAEFORD, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$896 – $21,534

STANLY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

ALBEMARLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,838 – $12,413

CAPE FEAR VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

FAYETTEVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$896 – $21,060

HIGHLANDS CASHIERS HOSPITAL

HIGHLANDS, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,592 – $38,627

DUKE HEALTH LAKE NORMAN HOSPITAL

MOORESVILLE, NC · Proprietary

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$4,568 – $19,779

HIGH POINT REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

HIGH POINT, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$7,096 – $13,711

BLUE RIDGE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

SPRUCE PINE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,723 – $38,627

MEMORIAL MISSION HOSPITAL AND ASHEVILLE SURGERY CE

ASHEVILLE, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$1,299 – $41,992

BETSY JOHNSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL

DUNN, NC · Voluntary non-profit - Private

0.1/10

List Price

N/A

Cash Price

N/A

Negotiated Range

$896 – $21,060

C-Section Cost by City in North Carolina

Charlotte Raleigh

C-Section Cost in Other States

Texas (198)California (152)Florida (119)Ohio (95)Pennsylvania (93)New York (77)Illinois (75)Georgia (73)Wisconsin (71)Michigan (65)Tennessee (52)Colorado (52)View all states

What Affects C-Section Cost in North Carolina

Hospital charges for c-section in North Carolina vary widely based on facility type, geographic competition, and payer mix.

For c-section in North Carolina, the choice of facility can mean thousands of dollars in price difference. Teaching hospitals and major health systems typically maintain higher chargemaster rates, while community hospitals and outpatient centers may offer competitive self-pay pricing.

Based on data from 50 hospitals in North Carolina, c-section prices range from $8,283 to $37,796 — a 4.6x difference. This wide variation underscores why comparing prices before scheduling is critical for controlling your out-of-pocket costs.

Hospital vs. Outpatient Center Pricing in North Carolina

The setting where c-section is performed in North Carolina significantly impacts total cost. Hospital inpatient stays are the most expensive, followed by hospital outpatient departments, then ambulatory surgery centers.

For patients who are medically appropriate for outpatient surgery, ASCs offer a compelling combination of lower cost and shorter wait times. Many are physician-owned and focus exclusively on surgical care.

Discuss options with your surgeon and, if you're self-pay, ask about pricing at each available setting before scheduling.

Self-Pay vs. Insurance Cost Differences in North Carolina

Self-pay patients in North Carolina often have access to significantly discounted rates for c-section. Under federal price transparency rules (45 CFR § 180.50), hospitals must publish their discounted cash prices alongside standard charges.

In North Carolina, the average cash price for c-section is $16,430, which is 42% lower than the average list price of $28,341. This discount is typical of what self-pay patients can expect when asking for the hospital's uninsured rate.

For insured patients, the negotiated rate between your plan and the hospital determines your cost share. If you haven't met your deductible, you may pay more than the cash price. It's worth asking the hospital whether their self-pay rate is lower than what your insurance would charge — some patients save money by not filing a claim.

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Frequently Asked Questions About C-Section Cost in North Carolina

How much does C-Section cost in North Carolina?▼

The average cash price for c-section in North Carolina is $16,430. Prices range from $8,283 to $37,796 depending on the hospital and whether you pay cash or use insurance.

Why do C-Section prices vary so much in North Carolina?▼

Hospital prices for c-section in North Carolina differ based on facility type (hospital outpatient vs. ambulatory surgery center), negotiated insurance rates, hospital overhead, and local market competition. Hospitals with less nearby competition tend to charge more.

Can I get a cheaper C-Section by paying cash?▼

Yes. In North Carolina, the average cash price for c-section is $16,430, which is 42% below the average list price of $28,341. Many hospitals offer additional discounts if you pay upfront.

What is the cheapest hospital for C-Section in North Carolina?▼

The cheapest hospital depends on current published rates. Use the price comparison table above to see which facility in North Carolina offers the lowest cash price for c-section. Prices can change, so verify directly with the hospital before scheduling.

Does insurance cover C-Section?▼

Most health insurance plans cover c-section when medically necessary and ordered by a physician. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, copay, and coinsurance, and whether the provider is in-network. Contact your insurer for a pre-authorization estimate.

Want the true total cost of CESAREAN SECTION WITHOUT STERILIZATION WITHOUT CC/MCC?

Total Care Cost surfaces bundled facility and professional pricing so you can compare options and cut out-of-pocket surprises before you schedule.

Try Total Care Cost

Data sourced from hospital machine-readable price transparency files as required by 45 CFR Parts 180 and 182. Prices are informational only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm pricing directly with the hospital before scheduling.