Spinal fusion (lower or mid back) in Alaska
MS-DRG 460: Spinal fusion except cervical without mcc
$176,893typical hospital bill
$46,062typical amount paid
$36,713–$56,645range paid across 3 hospitals
Alaska hospitals billed Medicare a typical $176,893 for this stay in 2024, about 3.8 times what was actually paid. Medicare's payment depends mostly on the hospital's location and teaching role; the bill depends on the hospital's own price list, so bills vary far more than payments.
Billed (list price)Actually paid (Medicare + patient)
| Hospital | City | Medicare stays | Billed | Paid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence Alaska Medical Center | Anchorage | 16 | $176,893 | $36,713 | |
| Alaska Regional Hospital | Anchorage | 24 | $487,455 | $46,062 | |
| Central Peninsula General Hospital | Soldotna | 19 | $145,016 | $56,645 |
Medicare: CMS, 2024 (hospitals with 11 or more Medicare stays). Cash and insurer prices: hospitals' own price files, where read; insurer figures are commercial plans only, median and 10th–90th percentile across plans.