How Much Does Lumbar Spinal Fusion with Interbody Device (Posterior) Cost?
Also known as: Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum (CPT 22630)
Surgery to fuse lower back vertebrae using a cage device placed between vertebrae from a back incision, combined with screws and rods.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion with Interbody Device (Posterior) (CPT 22630) costs $1,511 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $27.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Lumbar Spinal Fusion with Interbody Device (Posterior)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the damaged disc, inserts a cage device filled with bone graft, and stabilizes the spine with screws and rods.
How Long Does It Take?
3-5 hours surgery, 2-5 days hospital stay
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Severe degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, spinal instability
How to Prepare
Stop smoking. Complete pre-surgery testing. Arrange extended home help. Follow all medication instructions.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum
Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $1,796 | $2,334 — $3,591 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $1,337 | $1,738 — $2,674 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $1,315 | $1,710 — $2,630 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $1,464 | $1,903 — $2,927 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $1,480 | $1,923 — $2,959 |
| CA — CHICO | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $1,460 | $1,898 — $2,920 |
| CA — FRESNO | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $1,556 | $2,023 — $3,112 |
| CA — MADERA | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — MERCED | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — MODESTO | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — NAPA | $1,602 | $2,083 — $3,205 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $1,535 | $1,996 — $3,071 |
| CA — REDDING | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $1,459 | $1,896 — $2,918 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $1,543 | $2,006 — $3,087 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $1,508 | $1,960 — $3,016 |
| CA — SALINAS | $1,502 | $1,953 — $3,005 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $1,523 | $1,980 — $3,046 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $1,661 | $2,160 — $3,323 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $1,652 | $2,148 — $3,305 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $1,710 | $2,223 — $3,419 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $1,673 | $2,175 — $3,346 |
What Insurance Companies Actually Pay
Real negotiated rates from 15 hospitals across 6 states (from hospital price transparency filings)
| Insurance Company | Avg Rate | Range | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $7,565 | $2,408 - $28,367 | 9 |
| United | $12,644 | $4,969 - $28,551 | 10 |
| Cigna | $24,131 | $2,496 - $68,725 | 7 |
| Humana | $11,060 | $2,204 - $40,969 | 8 |
| BCBS | $45,373 | $18,420 - $63,306 | 5 |
| Superior Health Plan | $3,948 | $2,369 - $27,630 | 4 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $38,387 | $22,222 - $69,590 | 5 |
| BCBS-TX | $2,309 | $1,238 - $3,169 | 2 |
| Anthem | $64,480 | $55,676 - $67,716 | 2 |
| BCBS - TN | $1,120 | $167 - $4,834 | 2 |
| Multiplan | $29,884 | $29,884 | 2 |
| BCBS - GA | $31,162 | $16,935 - $40,262 | 1 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $1,313 to $1,944 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $20, compared to $27 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (45.23) x CF ($33.40) = $1,511
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum is $1,511. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $27. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $20. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Arthrd pst tq 1ntrspc lum when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.