Rate Benchmarking
Compare your rates with similar providers.
Select a published rate, define comparable providers, and see where that rate falls in your market.
See a sample rate comparisonHealthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address high-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Diseases & Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Complexity Level | High |
National average reimbursement for MS-DRG 552 by major payers:

$10,790.40

$13,321.60

$15,348.69

$15,617.92
Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for MS-DRG 552.
Peo Mid-Hudson Valley Staffco
Memorial Hermann Health System
St Barnabas Hospital
Choose your state and specialty to build a report from payer-published rates.
Rate Benchmarking
Select a published rate, define comparable providers, and see where that rate falls in your market.
See a sample rate comparisonPayer Contract Negotiation
Use your fee schedule and market benchmarks to set target rates and draft a letter for your payer.
See a sample payer proposalMS-DRG 552 vs. Other Diseases & Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue Codes
The MS-DRG 552 code is part of the Diseases & Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue services . It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The MS-DRG 552 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 551-APR-DRG | Moderate | Head Trauma With Coma > 1 Hour Or Hemorrhage |
| 551-MS-DRG | High | MEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITH MCC |
| 552-MS-DRG | High | MEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITHOUT MCC |
| 553-APR-DRG | Moderate | Head Trauma With Coma > 1 Hour Or Hemorrhage |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including MS-DRG 552. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 552 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
Bring your top codes (like MS-DRG 552) and we'll show you how you compare in 15 minutes or less.