CMS Price Transparency Data

Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay)

Facility: Carilion New River Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 451 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 451
Insurance Median: $108,569
Cash Discount Price: $61,289
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Spinal fusion, single level (inpatient stay) at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center is $108,569. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $61,289. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $23,503.93, this hospital’s rate is 4.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2900 Lamb Circle, Christiansburg, VA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$61,289

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$108,569

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: $61,289 (261%)

Insurance Median: $108,569 (462%)

Cash: $61,289 (261% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $108,569 (462% 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 462% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 362%). 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	$19,977 - $30,768	85%
Aetna	$28,355 - $116,274	121%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$30,768 - $111,216	131%
UnitedHealthcare	$31,070 - $143,136	132%
Sentara Health Plan	$31,673 - $108,569	135%
Vhn - Ultra	$108,569	462%
Cigna	$118,025 - $126,080	502%
Gateway - Tier 3	$119,076	507%
Connecticare	$122,578	522%
Vhn - Plus	$134,836	574%
Gateway - Tier 2	$140,089	596%
Vhn	$140,089	596%
Vhn - Link	$157,600	671%
Gateway - Tier 1	$166,356	708%
Vhn - Secondary Payors	$166,356	708%

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 $61,289.
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 Carilion New River 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.