STAT+: This spine surgery usually costs $1,400. Under No Surprises Act arbitration? $34,000

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 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. Out-of-network providers, those that don’t contract with health insurers, are getting 24 times that amount for the same surgery at the median — nearly $34,000 — through the No Surprises Act’s arbitration process. Some are even getting north of $100,000. Advertisement The lumbar laminectomy is just one example of the extraordinarily high awards being doled out under the flawed system created by the 2020 law. The law has successfully protected patients from unexpected bills, but it’s also been a major boon for providers. They’re not only securing massive sums when they win, but they’re also prevailing in over 80% of disputes. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily market-moving biopharma analysis — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Congress, health care costs, Health insurance, patients, Physicians, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Tara Bannow Hospitals and Insurance Reporter Tara Bannow covers hospitals, providers, and insurers. You can reach Tara on Signal at tarabannow.70. Newsletter Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry Recommended The Readout May 19, 2026 STAT Plus: A new ranking of pharma companies by R&D performance Pharmalot May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Maryland state affordability board places a price cap on Ozempic Advertisement Business May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: White House taps Amazon, GoodRx, and Mark Cuban to bolster TrumpRx Insurance May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump’s CMS to allow skimpier plans on ACA exchanges Health Care Inc. Newsletter May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Why the WakeMed – Atrium Health hospital merger matters Subscriber Picks