CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $38,890
Cash Discount Price: $2,774
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.65x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway is $38,890. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,774. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 1.65x the Medicare baseline. Located in 865 Stone St, Rahway, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,774

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$38,890

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: $2,774 (12%)

Insurance Median: $38,890 (165%)

Cash: $2,774 (12% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $38,890 (165% 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	$4,699 - $24,790	20%
Qualcare Inc	$4,786	20%
Aetna	$24,790 - $72,406	105%
Clover Health	$24,790	105%
Fidelis Care	$24,790	105%
Humana	$24,790	105%
Wellpoint	$24,790	105%
UnitedHealthcare	$25,286 - $77,696	108%
Emblem Health	$38,890	165%
Cigna	$48,345 - $64,701	206%
Wellcare	$49,332	210%

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 $2,774.
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 Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway 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.