CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Allegheny Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $22,528
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.96x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Allegheny Valley Hospital is $22,528. 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 0.96x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1301 Carlisle St, Natrona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$22,528

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: $22,528 (96%)

Ins. Median: $22,528 (96% 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
Highmark	$12,270 - $41,982	52%
Life Pittsburgh	$21,054	90%
The Health Plan Of The Upper Ohio Valley	$21,054 - $23,160	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$21,054 - $22,739	90%
Aetna	$21,897 - $47,202	93%
Amerihealth	$22,107	94%
Geisinger	$22,107	94%
Highmark Wholecare	$22,318	95%
Humana	$22,318	95%
Medicare (plans)	$22,318 - $24,423	95%
Cigna	$22,528 - $49,688	96%
Jefferson Health Plans	$22,739	97%
Molina	$22,949	98%
American Health Plans	$23,160	99%
Martin'S Point	$31,029	132%
Medical Mutual	$49,688	211%

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 Allegheny Valley 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.