CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Alton Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $27,582
Cash Discount Price: $83,741
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Alton Memorial Hospital is $27,582. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $83,741. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 1.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in One Memorial Drive, Alton, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$83,741

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$27,582

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$23,503.93

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $23,503.93 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $83,741 (356%)

Insurance Median: $27,582 (117%)

Cash: $83,741 (356% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $27,582 (117% of 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.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Cigna	$12,767 - $27,644	54%
Aetna	$26,209 - $61,196	112%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$26,209 - $50,922	112%
Essence Healthcare [221]	$26,209	112%
Humana	$26,209	112%
UnitedHealthcare	$26,209 - $52,394	112%
Apwu Health Plan [216]	$26,824	114%
Nalc Health Benefit Plan [242]	$26,824	114%
Priority Health [648]	$26,824	114%
Cox Health [757]	$27,519	117%
Devoted Health Plan [847]	$27,519	117%
Medica [662]	$27,519	117%
Consociate [478]	$33,198 - $38,175	141%
Health Alliance [224]	$34,944	149%
Sarah Bush Lincoln [636]	$38,175	162%
Healthscope Benefits [258]	$52,394	223%
Allied Benefits [498]	$61,196	260%
Coresource [497]	$61,196	260%
Fmh Benefit Service Inc [222]	$61,196	260%
Mail Handlers [495]	$61,196	260%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $83,741.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify MS-DRG Code matches exactly: 451.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Alton Memorial Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for MS-DRG code 451.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.