CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $32,167
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics is $32,167. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 1.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2390 West Congress, Lafayette, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$32,167

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%)

Insurance Median: $32,167 (137%)

Ins. Median: $32,167 (137% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$22,096 - $32,167	94%
UnitedHealthcare	$27,342 - $48,706	116%
Verity Commercial And First Choice Network	$28,089	120%
Zelis	$29,626	126%
Cigna	$30,048	128%
Aetna	$32,167	137%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$32,167	137%
Medicare (plans)	$32,167	137%
Ochsner Health Plan	$32,167	137%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$33,132	141%
Wellcare Of Louisiana	$33,775	144%

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 $X.
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 Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics 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.