Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, Infection or Extensive in Colorado
MS-DRG 457: Spinal fusion except cervical with spinal curvature, malignancy, infection or extensive
$404,226typical hospital bill
$51,837typical amount paid
$45,798–$65,674range paid across 3 hospitals
Colorado hospitals billed Medicare a typical $404,226 for this stay in 2024, about 7.8 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centura Health-St Anthony Hospital | Lakewood | 11 | $316,464 | $45,798 | |
| HCA Healthone Presbyterian St. Lukes | Denver | 11 | $863,773 | $51,837 | |
| University of Colorado Hospital Authority | Aurora | 16 | $404,226 | $65,674 |
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.