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MS-DRG 552 Fee Schedule

Last Verified: September 2026

Healthcare 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.

MEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITHOUT MCC
Key FactDetail
Service Type

Diseases & Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue

Common Place of Service

21 - Inpatient Hospital

22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital

Complexity LevelHigh

National average reimbursement for MS-DRG 552 by major payers:

bcbs

$10,790.40

uhc

$13,321.60

aetna

$15,348.69

cigna

$15,617.92

Compare published rates across providers.

Choose a payer to see a sample of rates for MS-DRG 552.

MS-DRG 552
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
  1. Westchester County Health Care Corporation, Westchester Medical Center

    Peo Mid-Hudson Valley Staffco

    NYPsychiatric Hospital UnitNPI 1659546125Tax ID 13-3964321

    $40,260.82Published rate
  2. University Of Colorado Hospital Authority

    COGeneral Acute Care HospitalNPI 1306406285Tax ID 84-1179794

    $20,652.31Published rate
  3. Memorial Hermann Health System, Memorial Hermann Northeast

    Memorial Hermann Health System

    TXGeneral Acute Care HospitalNPI 1295843787Tax ID 74-1152597

    $13,432.58Published rate
  4. East Texas Medical Center Athens

    TXGeneral Acute Care HospitalNPI 1356320873Tax ID 82-3934511

    $10,297.24Published rate
  5. St. Barnabas Hospital

    St Barnabas Hospital

    NYGeneral Acute Care HospitalNPI 1215038096Tax ID 13-1740122

    $2,531.00Published rate

National sample. Rates vary by location, specialty, and contract.

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MS-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.

CodeComplexityDescription
551-APR-DRGModerateHead Trauma With Coma > 1 Hour Or Hemorrhage
551-MS-DRGHighMEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITH MCC
552-MS-DRGHighMEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITHOUT MCC
553-APR-DRGModerateHead 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.

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