CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Penn State Health St. Joseph

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $26,170
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Penn State Health St. Joseph is $26,170. 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 1.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2500 Bernville Road, Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$26,170

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: $26,170 (111%)

Ins. Median: $26,170 (111% 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
[Ibc]	$6,099 - $26,040	26%
[Highmark]	$25,780 - $66,248	110%
Aetna	$26,040 - $59,126	111%
UnitedHealthcare	$26,040 - $67,658	111%
[Amerihealth Caritas]	$26,040	111%
[Cbc]	$26,040 - $77,745	111%
[Geisinger]	$26,040	111%
[Highmark Wholecare]	$26,040	111%
Humana	$26,301	112%
[Healthspring]	$26,301	112%
[Health Partners Plans]	$26,561	113%
[Pa Health & Wellness]	$26,821	114%
[Upmc]	$27,345	116%
[Point Comfort Underwriters]	$32,550	138%
[Highmark Choice Blue]	$52,998	225%
[Highmark Aca]	$55,648	237%
Cigna	$63,090	268%

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 Penn State Health St. Joseph 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.