How Much Does Spinal Fusion Surgery (Lumbar, Posterior Approach) Cost?
Also known as: Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar (CPT 22612)
Surgery to permanently join two or more vertebrae in the lower back to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
Spinal Fusion Surgery (Lumbar, Posterior Approach) (CPT 22612) costs $1,311 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $17.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Spinal Fusion Surgery (Lumbar, Posterior Approach)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon accesses the spine from the back, removes damaged disc material, and uses bone graft and hardware to fuse vertebrae together. Hospital stay is typically 2-5 days.
How Long Does It Take?
3-6 hours surgery, 2-5 days hospital stay
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, severe spinal stenosis, failed conservative treatment
How to Prepare
Complete pre-surgical testing. Stop smoking. Follow medication instructions. Arrange extended home help for 6-12 weeks.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar
Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $1,792 | $2,329 — $3,583 |
| AK — ALASKA* | $1,700 | $2,550 — $4,251 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $1,318 | $1,714 — $2,636 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $1,299 | $1,689 — $2,598 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $1,428 | $1,856 — $2,856 |
| AZ — Phoenix | $1,338 | $2,007 — $3,345 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $1,449 | $1,884 — $2,898 |
| CA — CHICO | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $1,432 | $1,862 — $2,865 |
| CA — FRESNO | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $1,520 | $1,976 — $3,040 |
| CA — Los Angeles | $1,437 | $2,156 — $3,593 |
| CA — MADERA | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — MERCED | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — MODESTO | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — NAPA | $1,568 | $2,038 — $3,135 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $1,501 | $1,951 — $3,001 |
| CA — REDDING | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $1,431 | $1,861 — $2,863 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $1,502 | $1,953 — $3,005 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $1,478 | $1,922 — $2,957 |
| CA — SALINAS | $1,472 | $1,914 — $2,945 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $1,491 | $1,938 — $2,982 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $1,626 | $2,114 — $3,252 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar
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 $1,246 to $1,835 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $13, compared to $17 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 () x CF ($33.40) = N/A
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar is $1,311. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $17. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $13. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar 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 Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Arthrodesis (fusion), posterior, lumbar 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.