Is CPT 51702 overcharged?

51702: Inserting a temporary urinary catheter (Procedure)

Approximate Medicare national rate

$65.47

Source: CMS Physician Fee Schedule CY2026, Oct release (national, non-facility). National amount; actual Medicare payment varies by locality. Facility-setting physician rate: $22.71 (hospital facility fee billed separately).

Hospital outpatient facility rate (OPPS, APC 5734)

$135.93

Source: CMS OPPS Addendum B, October 2026. At a hospital you usually get two bills: the facility fee (compare to this) and the physician fee (compare to $22.71).

What's a reasonable charge?

Commercial insurers typically pay roughly 1.5 to 2.5 times Medicare. If you were billed more than $196.41 for 51702, ask for an itemized bill, request the provider's cash price, and dispute the difference.

Check your whole bill

Duplicates and unbundling are often worth more than a single high price. Scan your bill free