CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Christian Hospital Northeast

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $28,357
Cash Discount Price: $106,759
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Christian Hospital Northeast is $28,357. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $106,759. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 1.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 11133 Dunn Road, Saint Louis, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$106,759

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$28,357

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: $106,759 (454%)

Insurance Median: $28,357 (121%)

Cash: $106,759 (454% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $28,357 (121% 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%
Apwu Health Plan [216]	$26,824	114%
Nalc Health Benefit Plan [242]	$26,824	114%
Priority Health [648]	$26,824	114%
Aetna	$27,007 - $61,196	115%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$27,007 - $50,922	115%
Essence Healthcare [221]	$27,007	115%
Humana	$27,007	115%
UnitedHealthcare	$27,007 - $52,394	115%
Cox Health [757]	$28,357	121%
Devoted Health Plan [847]	$28,357	121%
Medica [662]	$28,357	121%
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 $106,759.
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 Christian Hospital Northeast 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.