STAT+: This spine surgery usually costs $1,400. Under No Surprises Act arbitration? $34,000
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- Lumbar laminectomy has a median in‑network price of $1,400.
- No Surprises Act arbitration awards a median $34,000 for the same surgery when performed by out‑of‑network providers.
- Out‑of‑network awards can exceed $100,000 for a lumbar laminectomy.
- Providers win over 80% of arbitration disputes under the No Surprises Act.
Why it matters: Out‑of‑network surgeons capture roughly 24‑fold higher fees, while insurers and patients shoulder the extra cost; the 80% win rate shows the arbitration system heavily favors providers, inflating overall health‑care spending.
