Cataract Surgery Cost in Chicago, IL
Last updated: May 2026
Cataract Surgery costs an average of $4,398 (cash/self-pay price) in Chicago, IL, based on data from 9 hospitals reporting to MyCareCost. Prices range from $1,744 to $7,132 depending on the hospital and facility type. These figures come from hospital machine-readable price transparency files published under federal CMS rules, not estimates.
9 hospitals in the Chicago area report pricing for cataract surgery. The average cash price is $4,398.
9
in Chicago area
$4,474
gross charge
$4,398
2% below list price
$1,744 – $7,132
4.1x spread
Hospital Prices in Chicago
Sorted by lowest cash price| Hospital | City | List Price | Cash Price | Negotiated Range | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THOREK MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private | CHICAGO | $1,744 | $1,744 | $1,134 – $1,134 | 0.1/10 | |
| SAINT ANTHONY HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private | CHICAGO | $7,132 | $2,140-70% | $2,018 – $6,347 | 0.1/10 | |
| INSIGHT HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER CHICAGO Voluntary non-profit - Private | CHICAGO | $3,500 | $2,800-20% | $1,750 – $2,800 | 0.1/10 | |
| NORTHWESTERN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Private | CHICAGO | N/A | $10,908 | $18 – $100 | 0.1/10 | |
| LORETTO HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Other | CHICAGO | $5,522 | N/A | $5,522 – $5,522 | 0.1/10 | |
| WEST SUBURBAN MEDICAL CENTER Voluntary non-profit - Other | OAK PARK | N/A | N/A | $2,306 – $5,667 | 0.1/10 | |
| LOUIS A WEISS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Proprietary | CHICAGO | N/A | N/A | $2,306 – $5,667 | 0.1/10 | |
| ADVOCATE TRINITY HOSPITAL Voluntary non-profit - Church | CHICAGO | N/A | N/A | $3,447 – $12,362 | 0.1/10 | |
| PRESENCE SAINT JOSEPH HOSPITAL - CHICAGO Voluntary non-profit - Church | CHICAGO | N/A | N/A | — | 0.1/10 |
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Private
List Price
$1,744
Cash Price
$1,744
Negotiated Range
$1,134 – $1,134
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Private
List Price
$7,132
Cash Price
$2,140-70%
Negotiated Range
$2,018 – $6,347
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Private
List Price
$3,500
Cash Price
$2,800-20%
Negotiated Range
$1,750 – $2,800
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Private
List Price
N/A
Cash Price
$10,908
Negotiated Range
$18 – $100
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Other
List Price
$5,522
Cash Price
N/A
Negotiated Range
$5,522 – $5,522
OAK PARK, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Other
List Price
N/A
Cash Price
N/A
Negotiated Range
$2,306 – $5,667
CHICAGO, IL · Proprietary
List Price
N/A
Cash Price
N/A
Negotiated Range
$2,306 – $5,667
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Church
List Price
N/A
Cash Price
N/A
Negotiated Range
$3,447 – $12,362
CHICAGO, IL · Voluntary non-profit - Church
List Price
N/A
Cash Price
N/A
What Affects Cataract Surgery Cost in Chicago, IL
Hospital charges for cataract surgery in Chicago, IL vary widely based on facility type, geographic competition, and payer mix.
When comparing cataract surgery prices, the facility type matters enormously. Independent imaging centers in Chicago, IL frequently offer cash prices well below hospital rates because they operate with lower overhead and no hospital facility fee.
Based on data from 9 hospitals in Chicago, IL, cataract surgery prices range from $1,744 to $7,132 — a 4.1x 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 Chicago, IL
In Chicago, IL, cataract surgery is available at both hospital outpatient departments and independent imaging centers. The price difference between these settings is often the single largest factor in your total bill.
Hospital outpatient departments include a facility fee that independent centers don't charge. This fee alone can add $200–$1,500+ to the cost of a cataract surgery. The clinical quality of the scan is generally comparable between settings when performed by qualified technologists.
Before scheduling, ask your referring physician whether an independent center is appropriate for your clinical situation. For routine diagnostic imaging, many patients achieve significant savings at freestanding centers.
Self-Pay vs. Insurance Cost Differences in Chicago, IL
Uninsured and self-pay patients can frequently access cataract surgery at a lower cost than insured rates. Many hospitals in Chicago, IL offer cash discounts of 30–70% off the standard chargemaster rate.
In Chicago, IL, the average cash price for cataract surgery is $4,398, which is 2% lower than the average list price of $4,474. 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.
Related Procedure Costs
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery Cost in Chicago, IL
How much does Cataract Surgery cost in Chicago, IL?▼
Why do Cataract Surgery prices vary so much in Chicago, IL?▼
Can I get a cheaper Cataract Surgery by paying cash?▼
What is the cheapest hospital for Cataract Surgery in Chicago, IL?▼
Does insurance cover Cataract Surgery?▼
Want the true total cost of HC CATARACT SURG W/IOL 1 STAGE?
Total Care Cost surfaces bundled facility and professional pricing so you can compare options and cut out-of-pocket surprises before you schedule.
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.