Spinal fusion (not neck), no complications in Columbus, NE: hospital prices
One hospital in the Columbus, NE metro area prices MS-DRG 460 in its files, but fewer than three list a cash price, so we show the rows without a ranking.
One hospital in the Columbus, NE metro area lists spinal fusion (not neck), no complications (MS-DRG 460) in its price file, but only as a list price or negotiated insurer rates, not as a cash price. Hospitals must publish a discounted cash price for every shoppable service; where it is missing you can still ask for one by phone.
Sorted by cash price
Hospital facility fee onlyWhat's in the price
The hospital facility fee for MS-DRG 460. The doctor, anesthesia and lab work usually bill separately.
Cash vs. insured
Cash is what you pay without insurance. With insurance you pay a share of the negotiated rate, which can be higher than cash. You may ask for the cash price.
What to say on the phone
"I'd like the self-pay price for MS-DRG 460, in writing, and whether it covers facility, physician and anesthesia."
About spinal fusion (not neck), no complications
MS-DRG 460 is the inpatient stay for a spinal fusion below the neck, most often a lumbar fusion for instability, spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease that has not responded to other treatment. The stay is typically two to four days and recovery takes months.
What the price covers
The DRG price is the hospital's charge for the whole stay: operating room, implants (screws, rods, cages, bone graft), room and board, nursing and supplies. The surgeon and anesthesiologist bill separately, as do rehabilitation and any bracing.
Before you compare prices
Lumbar fusion for back pain without instability is one of the most debated operations in medicine, and outcomes vary widely. A second opinion is worth more than a lower price. When surgery is clearly indicated, the price spread between hospitals in the same area is large, often two to four times for the identical DRG.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for DRG 460, and what do surgeon and anesthesia add?
- Which implants will be used, and how much of the price are they?
- What is the expected length of stay, and what does an extra day cost?
Hospitals in Columbus, NE without a price for this procedure
Listed so you know who to call. The reason is what we found on their website.
- Columbus Community Hospital, INCWebsite blocks automated reading