CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $56,771
Cash Discount Price: $166,024
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is $56,771. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $166,024. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 2.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 East Mountain Boulevard, Wilkes Barre, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$166,024

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$56,771

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: $166,024 (706%)

Insurance Median: $56,771 (242%)

Cash: $166,024 (706% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $56,771 (242% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 242% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 142%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Humana	$18,913	80%
Life Geisinger	$18,913	80%
Medicare (plans)	$18,913 - $21,372	80%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$19,102 - $78,706	81%
Geisinger Health Plan	$19,613 - $55,939	83%
Ambetter / Centene	$44,446	189%
Aetna	$74,582 - $178,878	317%
UnitedHealthcare	$89,405	380%
Cigna	$121,305	516%
Christian Healthcare Ministries	$133,890	570%
Wyoming Seminary	$187,447	798%
Intergroup Services	$227,614	968%
Multiplan	$227,614	968%

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 $166,024.
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 Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center 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.