CGHS Gallbladder Surgery Rate List: Cholecystectomy Package Rates

CGHS reimburses gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) at a fixed package rate at empanelled hospitals.

The Office Memorandum effective 13 October 2025 gives open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy their own codes — Rs 29,750 and Rs 30,855 respectively at a non-NABH hospital — so the older question of which code a keyhole operation falls under no longer arises.

CGHS Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) Package Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

The 2025 OM prices open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy under separate codes, so the figure depends on the technique recorded in your permission letter. The OM sets these rates for the semi-private ward: a general-ward entitlement is 5% lower and a private-ward entitlement 5% higher. Tier II cities are 10% lower and Tier III cities 20% lower than Tier I.

• Cholecystectomy (open), Non-NABH — Rs 29,750
• Cholecystectomy (open), NABH — Rs 35,000
• Cholecystectomy (open), Super Speciality — Rs 40,250
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Non-NABH — Rs 30,855
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, NABH — Rs 36,300
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Super Speciality — Rs 41,745
• Cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct (CBD), Non-NABH — Rs 30,855
• Cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct (CBD), NABH — Rs 36,300
• Cholecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct (CBD), Super Speciality — Rs 41,745
• Repair of the common bile duct (CBD), Non-NABH — Rs 36,550
• Repair of the common bile duct (CBD), NABH — Rs 43,000
• Repair of the common bile duct (CBD), Super Speciality — Rs 49,450
• Cholecystostomy, Non-NABH — Rs 22,440
• Cholecystostomy, NABH — Rs 26,400
• Cholecystostomy, Super Speciality — Rs 30,360

Tests and Endoscopic Procedures for Gallstones

• USG whole abdomen including pelvis and post-void urine, Non-NABH — Rs 680
• USG whole abdomen including pelvis and post-void urine, NABH — Rs 800
• MR cholecysto-pancreatography (MRCP), Non-NABH — Rs 7,225
• MR cholecysto-pancreatography (MRCP), NABH — Rs 8,500
• Diagnostic ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography), Non-NABH — Rs 11,390
• Diagnostic ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography), NABH — Rs 13,400
• Liver function test (LFT), Non-NABH — Rs 425
• Liver function test (LFT), NABH — Rs 500

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Open vs Laparoscopic Billing

The schedule effective 13 October 2025 carries separate codes for open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, so the hospital bills whichever operation was actually performed. Laparoscopic is the higher of the two, at Rs 30,855 against Rs 29,750 at a non-NABH hospital. Ask which code is written on your permission letter.

How CGHS Package Rates Work

A CGHS "package rate" is an all-inclusive amount covering admission, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, operation theatre, nursing, routine investigations, medicines and accommodation for the standard length of stay.

High-value implants such as knee and hip prostheses, coronary stents, meshes, spinal cages and heart valves are not part of the package and are reimbursed separately against notified implant ceiling rates.

Under the Office Memorandum effective 13 October 2025, a non-NABH hospital is paid 15% below the NABH rate, and for the specialities the memorandum names, a super-speciality hospital is paid 15% above the NABH rate.

The published rate is the semi-private ward figure: a general-ward entitlement is 5% lower and a private-ward entitlement 5% higher. Hospitals in Tier II cities are paid 10% less and in Tier III cities 20% less than Tier I. Consultations, investigations, radiotherapy, day-care and minor procedures are the same for every ward entitlement.

Referral and Prior Permission

For planned (non-emergency) major procedures, a CGHS beneficiary needs a referral from the CGHS wellness centre and prior permission from the competent authority. Emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital is reimbursed up to CGHS rates without prior permission.

• Carry a valid CGHS card and follow your ward entitlement (based on pay/pension)
• Use an empanelled hospital for cashless treatment up to CGHS rates
• Obtain prior permission and referral for planned surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CGHS rate for gallbladder removal?

Under the rates effective 13 October 2025, open cholecystectomy is Rs 29,750 (non-NABH), Rs 35,000 (NABH) and Rs 40,250 (super-speciality). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is Rs 30,855, Rs 36,300 and Rs 41,745. Adding exploration of the common bile duct puts it at the laparoscopic figure of Rs 30,855 (non-NABH).

Does CGHS pay for an ERCP to clear a bile duct stone?

Yes. Diagnostic ERCP is Rs 11,390 (non-NABH) and Rs 13,400 (NABH); CBD stone extraction by ERCP is a separate therapeutic code at Rs 17,000 (non-NABH), Rs 20,000 (NABH) and Rs 23,000 (super-speciality).

Related

• CGHS hernia repair rate list

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.