CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: East Cooper Medical Center

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $25,038
Cash Discount Price: $52,293
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.07x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at East Cooper Medical Center is $25,038. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $52,293. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 1.07x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Hospital Dr, Mount Pleasant, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$52,293

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$25,038

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: $52,293 (222%)

Insurance Median: $25,038 (107%)

Cash: $52,293 (222% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $25,038 (107% 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
Absolute Total Care	$23,846 - $41,730	101%
Aetna	$23,846	101%
Devoted Health	$23,846	101%
Humana	$23,846	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$24,084 - $107,007	102%
Molina	$24,322 - $34,576	103%
Cigna	$24,561 - $54,412	104%
Clover Insurance Company	$24,799	106%
Select Health	$25,038 - $45,545	107%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$39,572 - $70,929	168%

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 $52,293.
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 East Cooper 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.