Is PAE always cheaper than TURP?

Not necessarily. Costs vary by facility, insurance contract, additional testing, complications, and patient responsibility. Cost should be one factor, not the only factor, in choosing treatment. You can also compare PAE with TURP based on treatment method, recovery, and other considerations.

Can MINT obtain prior authorization for me?

For most patients, MINT does act on behalf of the patient in obtaining prior authorization prior to the procedure.

PAE Cost and Insurance Coverage

Written and medically reviewed by Goke Akinwande, MD — Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist and Medical Director of MINT. Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.

doctor speaking with an older male patient during a medical consultation

The cost of prostate artery embolization (PAE) can vary based on your insurance plan, facility and physician services, imaging, laboratory testing, medications, and authorization requirements. Coverage and out-of-pocket responsibility also vary, so understanding your specific benefits is an important part of planning treatment.

For those considering PAE in St. Louis, MO, or Chicago, IL, Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT) combines insurance and authorization guidance with specialized clinical evaluation. MINT is led by Goke Akinwande, MD, a board-certified interventional radiologist with expertise in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments. The team can review available insurance information while also determining whether PAE is medically appropriate for your individual situation. Learn more about who is a candidate for PAE.

What May Be Included in the Cost of PAE?

Initial consultation
Laboratory testing
Prostate or vascular imaging
Physician services
Facility services
Sedation or anesthesia services
Medications
Follow-up visits or testing

The amount billed and the amount a patient owes are not necessarily the same. Network contracts, deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and authorization decisions all affect patient responsibility.

Does Insurance Cover PAE?

Many insurance plans now cover PAE when their medical-necessity and authorization criteria are met. Other plans may apply different criteria, request additional documentation, or deny coverage.

Coverage may depend on the specific plan, network status, prior authorization, documented BPH symptoms, previous treatment history, required imaging, deductible, coinsurance, and site of service.

Our team at MINT will work on getting preauthorization from your insurance company so that you are not burdened with it.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

Is prostate artery embolization covered under my plan?
Is prior authorization required?
Must I see a urologist first?
Are the physician and facility in network?
What is my remaining deductible?
What coinsurance or copayment applies?
Are imaging, laboratory, sedation, and facility services billed separately?
What is the appeal process if authorization is denied?

What Happens Before Scheduling?

1. Clinical evaluation

MINT determines whether PAE is medically appropriate and whether additional records or testing are required.

2. Benefits and authorization review

The team reviews available network and authorization requirements using the patient’s insurance information.

3. Patient estimate

When sufficient information is available, the patient receives an estimate of expected responsibility.

4. Final decision

The patient can review clinical alternatives and expected financial responsibility before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

They usually do, however, coverage depends on the patient’s Medicare arrangement, medical necessity, documentation, network status, and other requirements.

Either our team or the patient may be able to submit additional documentation or pursue an appeal. Sometimes, the denial is overturned.

Understand Coverage Before You Proceed

MINT can help explain the available insurance information and next steps before treatment.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Whether PAE is appropriate for you should be determined after evaluation by a qualified medical professional.