Black Friday for Healthcare: How to Shop Medical Procedures Like a Pro

Most people spend more time comparing TV prices than they do shopping for a $15,000 surgery.

According to a 2024 Health Affairs study, the price for a knee replacement can vary by as much as $50,000 within the same city. Yet 89% of patients never ask about price before scheduling a procedure.

This November and December represent your best opportunity to change that—and potentially save thousands.

The Year-End Healthcare Shopping Window

November through December creates a unique convergence of cost-saving opportunities.

You’ve likely met your deductible. Many procedures become significantly cheaper once you’ve satisfied your annual deductible. You’re essentially getting a “discount” on additional care.

You have leftover HSA funds. Health Savings Account contributions must be used strategically, and year-end is the perfect time to deploy those pre-tax dollars on planned procedures.

In 2025, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 and families up to $8,550 to an HSA.

Providers want to hit revenue targets. Hospitals and surgery centers have annual financial goals, making them more willing to negotiate prices in Q4.

How to Shop Medical Procedures Like a Pro

Start by getting the CPT code. Every medical procedure has a specific billing code (CPT code).

Call your doctor’s office and ask: “What’s the CPT code for the procedure Dr. Smith recommended?” This is your “product number” for price shopping.

Request itemized cost estimates from multiple providers. Contact at least three facilities and say: “I’m a self-pay patient comparing prices.

Can you provide an itemized estimate for CPT code [number]?” Even if you have insurance or health sharing, identifying as self-pay often unlocks better pricing.

A ColoHealth member recently saved $8,400 on a shoulder surgery by calling five orthopedic centers. The prices ranged from $12,000 to $20,400 for the identical procedure.

The Power of Cash-Pay Discounts

Healthcare providers lose 15-30% of their revenue to insurance company administrative costs. When you offer to pay cash upfront, you eliminate that overhead.

Tip: Ask every provider: “What’s your cash-pay discount if I pay within 30 days?” Discounts of 20-40% are common, and some facilities go even higher.

For health sharing plan members, this approach is especially powerful. You’re already accustomed to operating as a self-pay patient, which gives you immediate access to these lower negotiated rates.

Strategic Timing for Maximum Savings

Schedule procedures for early December. This gives you maximum flexibility if complications arise while still falling within the current year’s deductible and HSA contribution period.

Bundle related procedures. If you need multiple treatments, scheduling them together can reduce facility fees and anesthesia costs. One surgeon, one location, one recovery period equals significant savings.

Consider medical tourism domestically. The same surgeon might perform your procedure at an outpatient surgery center for 50% less than at a hospital. Ask your doctor: “Do you have privileges at an ambulatory surgery center?”

Making the Most of Your HSA

Your HSA funds roll over indefinitely, but strategic year-end spending can maximize tax benefits.

Review your HSA balance in November. If you’re planning a medical procedure, check whether you have sufficient funds in your HSA to cover it. Using HSA funds means paying with pre-tax money, which saves you more than paying out-of-pocket, regardless of when you schedule the procedure.

Contribute the maximum before the tax deadline. If you haven’t maxed out your HSA contributions for 2025, you have until April 15, 2026 to do so. Consider making additional contributions before the deadline if you’re planning a medical procedure or anticipate healthcare expenses. This allows you to cover those costs with pre-tax dollars and reduce your taxable income for 2025.

Keep excellent records. Save all itemized receipts and explanation of benefits. You can reimburse yourself from your HSA years later if you have proper documentation, giving you flexibility in how and when you use your funds.

Questions to Ask Every Provider

Before booking any elective procedure, ask:

“What’s included in this estimate?” (surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia, labs, post-op visits)

“What’s your cash-pay discount?”

“Can I get an itemized breakdown in writing?”

“What’s your policy on balance billing?”

“Are there lower-cost facility options where you perform this procedure?”

Special Considerations for Health Sharing Members

Health sharing plans require you to submit itemized bills. Getting detailed estimates upfront makes your sharing request faster and more accurate.

Many sharing ministries have “pre-sharing” consultation services. Contact them before scheduling major procedures to understand exactly what will be shared and what you’ll pay out-of-pocket.

Remember: every dollar you negotiate off the bill is a dollar you don’t have to pay or submit for sharing.

The Bottom Line

Americans overpay for healthcare by billions annually, simply because we don’t shop around. This year-end season, treat your medical care like any other major purchase. Get multiple quotes, negotiate firmly but politely, and don’t be afraid to ask for discounts.

The average American family spends $13,000 annually on healthcare. Even a 10% reduction through smart shopping saves $1,300—enough to fully fund next year’s HSA contribution.

Click here to schedule an appointment, or call 800-913-0172 to get started.    

To your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President - HSA for America

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