Spinal Fusion Except Cervical with Spinal Curvature, Malignancy, Infection or Extensive in North Carolina
MS-DRG 457: Spinal fusion except cervical with spinal curvature, malignancy, infection or extensive
$261,793typical hospital bill
$66,708typical amount paid
$53,494–$79,922range paid across 2 hospitals
North Carolina hospitals billed Medicare a typical $261,793 for this stay in 2024, about 3.9 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolinas Medical Center/Behav Health | Charlotte | 34 | $282,142 | $53,494 | |
| Duke University Hospital | Durham | 25 | $241,445 | $79,922 |
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.