How long is the average hospital stay for DRG 849?

The average length of stay for DRG 849 (Radiotherapy) is 7.1 days. This can vary based on severity, complications, and patient health status.

How much does a hospital stay for DRG 849 cost without insurance?

Without insurance, hospital charges for DRG 849 average 2-5x the Medicare rate, though actual costs average $27,485. Medicare pays $17,612. Uninsured patients should request an itemized bill and negotiate — hospitals often offer 40-60% discounts for self-pay patients.

DRG 849 Medical

Radiotherapy

Hospital inpatient stay cost data from CMS

Avg Medicare Payment

$17,612

National average

Avg Total Costs

$27,485

CMS Inpatient data

Avg Length of Stay

7.1 days

CMS MS-DRG

Est. Commercial Insurance

$26,418 — $44,029

1.5x — 2.5x Medicare

Annual Discharges

Medicare beneficiaries

CMS Inpatient National Data

From CMS Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data (FY 2023)

Total Discharges

$27,485

Avg Total Costs

$25,316

Avg Medicare Payment

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a hospital stay for radiotherapy cost?

The average Medicare payment for DRG 849 is $17,612. Average hospital costs are $27,485. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates ($26,418 — $44,029).

How long is the hospital stay for DRG 849?

The average length of stay is 7.1 days. This varies by severity — patients with complications or comorbidities may stay longer.

How much does this hospital stay cost without insurance?

Without insurance, you may be billed the hospital's chargemaster rate, which can be 3-5x the actual cost. Request an itemized bill and ask about financial assistance programs. Many hospitals offer 40-60% discounts for self-pay patients.

DRG Details

DRG Code: 849
Type: Medical
Avg Medicare Payment: $17,612
Avg Length of Stay: 7.1 days
Data Sources: CMS MS-DRG (FY 2026), CMS Inpatient (FY 2023)

Understanding Hospital Charges

Charges are the hospital's list prices (chargemaster) and are often 3-5x actual costs.

Costs are what it actually costs the hospital to provide care.

Medicare Payment is what CMS pays the hospital under the IPPS system.

Commercial rates are negotiated between hospitals and insurers, typically 1.5-2.5x Medicare.

Disclaimer

Costs shown are national averages from CMS data. Actual hospital costs vary significantly by location, hospital type, patient severity, and insurance coverage. This is not medical or financial advice.