How Much Does Cervical Spine Fusion (Anterior Approach) Cost?
Also known as: Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical (CPT 22551)
Surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine) from the front of the neck.
The total estimated cost of Cervical Spine Fusion (Anterior Approach) (CPT 22551) is $18,769 to $52,135, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $1,605. Average Medicare total payment: $20,854.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies for an inpatient hospital stay. Based on CMS data for CERVICAL SPINAL FUSION WITHOUT CC/MCC (DRG 473), the average Medicare total payment is $20,854.
Patient Guide: Cervical Spine Fusion (Anterior Approach)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of your neck, removes the damaged disc, and fuses the vertebrae together using a bone graft and metal plate. Hospital stay is typically 1-2 days.
How Long Does It Take?
1-3 hours of surgery
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Herniated cervical disc pressing on nerves, cervical spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease in the neck, neck pain with arm symptoms
How to Prepare
Stop blood thinners as directed. Fast after midnight. You may have a sore throat for a few days after surgery. Arrange help at home for 2-4 weeks.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical
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 | $6,864 | $2,408 - $26,092 | 9 |
| United | $8,413 | $4,257 - $19,976 | 10 |
| Cigna | $17,362 | $2,496 - $35,350 | 8 |
| Humana | $8,621 | $2,204 - $31,243 | 8 |
| BCBS | $30,492 | $7,344 - $46,413 | 5 |
| Superior Health Plan | $3,429 | $2,369 - $19,331 | 4 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $26,858 | $15,548 - $48,690 | 5 |
| BCBS-TX | $16,212 | $8,926 - $22,849 | 2 |
| Wellpoint | $11,057 | $6,995 - $19,331 | 2 |
| Molina Healthcare | $7,694 | $7,694 | 2 |
| Community Health Choice MCD | $7,834 | $7,834 | 2 |
| Anthem | $41,389 | $38,260 - $43,047 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical
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
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
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 (48.05) x CF ($33.40) = $1,605
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is neck fusion considered major surgery?
What is the success rate of C5, C6, and C7 neck surgery?
How much does a cervical neck fusion cost?
How many years does a neck fusion last?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical is $1,605. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical 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 ant ntrbdy cervical?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Arthrd ant ntrbdy cervical 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.