The Minnesota Department of Health collects and reveals cost data on several of the priciest procedures for hospitals statewide, including spinal fusion. The most recent report shows a gap of nearly $32,000 in spinal fusion cost between hospitals, according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.
Here are five things to know:
1. For inpatient spinal fusions in Minnesota, the average cost ranges from $26,803 to $58,770 at hospitals. The average cost across all hospitals for inpatient spinal fusions is $36,433.
2. The lowest cost for spinal fusion was reported as $12,326 while the most costly spinal fusion performed was $80,797. The biggest difference was the hospital where spinal fusion was performed.
3. The article reports, however, that the cost difference is not necessarily associated with the price per procedure; the higher cost procedures for the patient and payer aren't necessarily costing the hospital and healthcare providers more.
4. Minnesota Hospital Association Vice President of Health Information and Analytics Mark Sonneborn commented in the article that there were several factors in price differences, the biggest being the rate hospitals and healthcare providers negotiate with payers. Many payers, according to the report, are able to provide members with specific cost information between providers.
5. Despite the information available on cost differentials, the report noted most patients don't "shop" for care in the state.