How Much Does Lumbar Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression) Cost?
Also known as: Lam facetec & foramot lumbar (CPT 63047)
Laminectomy (decompression) of the lumbar spine to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
The total estimated cost of Lumbar Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression) (CPT 63047) is $18,035 to $50,098, including hospital fees, anesthesia, and supplies. The surgeon's Medicare fee alone is $1,065. Average Medicare total payment: $20,039.
Total Estimated Cost of Care
This estimate includes hospital facility fees, anesthesia, and supplies for an inpatient hospital stay. Based on CMS data for BACK AND NECK PROCEDURES EXCEPT SPINAL FUSION WITH CC (DRG 519), the average Medicare total payment is $20,039.
Patient Guide: Lumbar Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower back and removes part of the vertebral bone (lamina) that is pressing on the nerves. Hospital stay is usually 1-2 days.
How Long Does It Take?
1-2 hours
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Lumbar spinal stenosis, nerve compression causing leg pain, weakness, or numbness, failed conservative treatment for sciatica
How to Prepare
Fast before surgery. Stop smoking to improve healing. You may be up and walking the same day. Avoid bending, lifting, and twisting for 4-6 weeks.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Lam facetec & foramot lumbar
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 | $4,789 | $2,089 - $11,593 | 9 |
| United | $7,371 | $2,574 - $13,938 | 10 |
| BCBS | $10,858 | $2,518 - $16,331 | 5 |
| Cigna | $5,579 | $1,272 - $12,898 | 6 |
| Humana | $5,568 | $2,204 - $15,871 | 8 |
| Superior Health Plan | $1,560 | $948 - $10,733 | 4 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $14,912 | $8,633 - $27,033 | 5 |
| BCBS-TX | $8,280 | $4,486 - $11,485 | 2 |
| Wellpoint | $5,017 | $2,399 - $10,733 | 2 |
| Anthem | $13,271 | $9,701 - $16,686 | 2 |
| UNITED | $4,857 | $2,446 - $7,721 | 2 |
| BCBS - TN | $301 | $167 - $737 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Lam facetec & foramot 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
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 (31.90) x CF ($33.40) = $1,065
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lam facetec & foramot lumbar cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Lam facetec & foramot lumbar is $1,065. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Lam facetec & foramot lumbar cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Lam facetec & foramot 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 Lam facetec & foramot lumbar?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Lam facetec & foramot 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.