STAT+: This spine surgery usually costs $1,400. Under No Surprises Act arbitration? $34,000
A recent analysis highlights the significant disparity in costs for lumbar laminectomy surgeries under the No Surprises Act. While the median price for this procedure is typically $1,400, out-of-network providers are charging up to $34,000 through arbitration. This system, designed to protect patients, has inadvertently led to substantial financial gains for providers.
- ▪The median cost for a lumbar laminectomy is $1,400.
- ▪Out-of-network providers are receiving a median of nearly $34,000 for the same surgery through arbitration.
- ▪Providers are winning over 80% of disputes under the No Surprises Act.
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STAT PlusBusiness This spine surgery usually costs $1,400. Under No Surprises Act arbitration? $34,000 A new analysis reveals how some clinicians are cashing in on a law designed to protect patients Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article Mark Humphrey/AP By Tara BannowMay 19, 2026 Hospitals and Insurance Reporter Tara Bannow[email protected]Tara Bannow covers hospitals, providers, and insurers. You can reach Tara on Signal at tarabannow.70. When health insurers contract with providers, they agree on prices for all kinds of procedures. For a lumbar laminectomy, a common spine surgery for ailments like herniated discs or arthritis, the median price is $1,400.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at STAT News.
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