Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)
- CPT Billing Code: 451
- Insurance Median: $14,493
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.62x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $23,503.93 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $13,936 | 59% |
| Aetna | $14,493 | 62% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $14,493 - $14,632 | 62% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the Spinal fusion, single level procedure at Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc, the negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna range from $13,936 to $14,632, while the median negotiated amount across all three payers is $14,493. These commercial rates are significantly lower than the Medicare benchmark of $23,503.93, reflecting the facility's adherence to fair pricing standards rather than inflated chargemaster lists. It is important to note that while cash-pay options are not currently listed for this service, patients with high-deductible plans should verify if paying out-of-pocket could be cheaper than their specific insurance allowed amount, as commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices when administrative overhead is factored in.
The facility is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and operates as a voluntary non-profit acute care hospital. While specific cash or median paid values are not available in the current data, consumers should proactively request an itemized billing audit before finalizing payment, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered. Additionally, patients should inquire about prompt-pay discounts, which can reduce bills by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront, effectively bypassing costly insurance claims processing and administrative fees. Always ensure you receive a detailed, line-by-line statement rather than a summary bill to accurately identify any discrepancies or avoid unexpected balance billing from out-of-network ancillary services.