SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO charges 4.9x the Medicare reimbursement rate across 78 analyzed procedures at this nonprofit religious medical center.
Saint Louis, MO 63104 · Acute Care Hospitals · CMS Rating: 1/5
About the analyst
Elena Vasquez leads hospital billing pattern analysis at BillRazor Research. She focuses on identifying overcharges, markup outliers, and patient advocacy strategies. Expertise: hospital billing patterns, overcharge analysis, patient advocacy.
No credit card required. Results in 60 seconds.
Billing patterns — nonprofit-religious
Nonprofit religious hospitals, representing 203 facilities in the dataset, demonstrate an average markup of 5.4x Medicare rates, positioning them in the mid-range compared to other ownership types. These institutions typically maintain standardized charge structures across their health system networks, often reflecting their mission-driven approach to healthcare delivery. Patients at nonprofit religious hospitals may encounter charges above the benchmark for routine procedures, though many offer financial assistance programs and charity care policies that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying individuals. Common billing patterns include transparent pricing for elective procedures and comprehensive financial counseling services. The potential difference between listed charges and actual patient responsibility can be substantial, particularly for uninsured patients who may qualify for sliding-scale payment options. Patients should inquire about available financial assistance programs during the admissions process, as these hospitals often have more flexible payment arrangements compared to for-profit facilities, reflecting their tax-exempt status and community benefit obligations.
Pricing grade
C
Average
Avg markup vs Medicare
4.91x
Charge / Medicare rate
Max markup
11.63x
Worst procedure
Procedures analyzed
78
With pricing data
Outlier procedures
1.3%
Above 90th percentile
Pricing grades reflect how this hospital's chargemaster (list) rates compare to Medicare reimbursement benchmarks within the same state. Grades measure pricing patterns only — not quality of care, patient outcomes, or clinical performance. A lower grade does not mean a hospital provides inferior care. Based on publicly available federal data. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency.
| Procedure | Code | Gross charge | Cash price | Medicare | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIDNEY TRANSPLANT | 652 | $334,495 | $167,247 | — | 11.6x |
| OTHER DISORDERS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM WITH CC | 092 | $61,555 | $30,777 | — | 7.4x |
| PERCUTANEOUS CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES WITH DRUG-ELUTING STENT WITH MCC OR 4+ ARTERIES O | 246 | $198,103 | $99,052 | — | 7.2x |
| OTHER KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT DIAGNOSES WITH CC | 699 | $87,792 | $43,896 | — | 7x |
| CIRCULATORY DISORDERS EXCEPT AMI, WITH CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION WITH MCC | 286 | $159,545 | $79,773 | — | 6.9x |
| MEDICAL BACK PROBLEMS WITHOUT MCC | 552 | $60,613 | $30,307 | — | 6.8x |
| MISCELLANEOUS DISORDERS OF NUTRITION, METABOLISM, FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES WITHOUT MCC | 641 | $49,129 | $24,564 | — | 6.7x |
| INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE OR CEREBRAL INFARCTION WITH CC OR TPA IN 24 HOURS | 065 | $57,700 | $28,850 | — | 6.2x |
| ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, DISCHARGED ALIVE WITH MCC | 280 | $96,407 | $48,203 | — | 6.2x |
| TRAUMATIC STUPOR AND COMA >1 HOUR WITH MCC | 082 | $122,898 | $61,449 | — | 6.2x |
| LOWER EXTREMITY AND HUMERUS PROCEDURES EXCEPT HIP, FOOT AND FEMUR WITH CC | 493 | $131,569 | $65,785 | — | 5.9x |
| HIP AND FEMUR PROCEDURES EXCEPT MAJOR JOINT WITH CC | 481 | $114,585 | $57,292 | — | 5.9x |
| MAJOR SMALL AND LARGE BOWEL PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 329 | $222,017 | $111,008 | — | 5.8x |
| TRAUMATIC STUPOR AND COMA <1 HOUR WITH CC | 086 | $71,804 | $35,902 | — | 5.8x |
| CARDIAC VALVE AND OTHER MAJOR CARDIOTHORACIC PROCEDURES WITHOUT CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION | 219 | $427,332 | $213,666 | — | 5.7x |
| OTHER O.R. PROCEDURES FOR INJURIES WITH MCC | 907 | $194,503 | $97,251 | — | 5.7x |
| TRAUMATIC STUPOR AND COMA >1 HOUR WITH CC | 083 | $68,350 | $34,175 | — | 5.6x |
| DIABETES WITH CC | 638 | $42,530 | $21,265 | — | 5.6x |
| LIMB REATTACHMENT, HIP AND FEMUR PROCEDURES FOR MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA | 956 | $206,710 | $103,355 | — | 5.6x |
| PERIPHERAL, CRANIAL NERVE AND OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM PROCEDURES WITH CC OR PERIPHERAL NEUR | 041 | $121,541 | $60,770 | — | 5.6x |
| MISCELLANEOUS DISORDERS OF NUTRITION, METABOLISM, FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES WITH MCC | 640 | $68,199 | $34,099 | — | 5.4x |
| MAJOR SMALL AND LARGE BOWEL PROCEDURES WITH CC | 330 | $113,988 | $56,994 | — | 5.4x |
| MAJOR CHEST TRAUMA WITH MCC | 183 | $78,614 | $39,307 | — | 5.4x |
| OTHER KIDNEY AND URINARY TRACT DIAGNOSES WITH MCC | 698 | $79,647 | $39,824 | — | 5.4x |
| CIRRHOSIS AND ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS WITH MCC | 432 | $101,474 | $50,737 | — | 5.3x |
| OTHER O.R. PROCEDURES FOR MULTIPLE SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA WITH CC | 958 | $204,828 | $102,414 | — | 5.3x |
| LOWER EXTREMITY AND HUMERUS PROCEDURES EXCEPT HIP, FOOT AND FEMUR WITH MCC | 492 | $185,170 | $92,585 | — | 5.3x |
| INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE OR CEREBRAL INFARCTION WITH MCC | 064 | $101,842 | $50,921 | — | 5.3x |
| SEPTICEMIA OR SEVERE SEPSIS WITHOUT MV >96 HOURS WITHOUT MCC | 872 | $49,638 | $24,819 | — | 5.2x |
| OTHER CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DIAGNOSES WITH MCC | 314 | $102,923 | $51,461 | — | 5.2x |
| DISORDERS OF LIVER EXCEPT MALIGNANCY, CIRRHOSIS OR ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS WITH CC | 442 | $46,722 | $23,361 | — | 5.2x |
| SEPTICEMIA OR SEVERE SEPSIS WITHOUT MV >96 HOURS WITH MCC | 871 | $92,467 | $46,234 | — | 5.2x |
| OTHER DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DIAGNOSES WITH MCC | 393 | $76,181 | $38,090 | — | 5.2x |
| OTHER VASCULAR PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 252 | $161,149 | $80,574 | — | 5.1x |
| PULMONARY EDEMA AND RESPIRATORY FAILURE | 189 | $59,549 | $29,774 | — | 5.1x |
| CRANIOTOMY AND ENDOVASCULAR INTRACRANIAL PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 025 | $196,406 | $98,203 | — | 5x |
| POISONING AND TOXIC EFFECTS OF DRUGS WITH MCC | 917 | $66,454 | $33,227 | — | 4.9x |
| HIP AND FEMUR PROCEDURES EXCEPT MAJOR JOINT WITH MCC | 480 | $141,401 | $70,701 | — | 4.9x |
| POSTOPERATIVE OR POST-TRAUMATIC INFECTIONS WITH O.R. PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 856 | $213,915 | $106,957 | — | 4.8x |
| CRANIOTOMY WITH MAJOR DEVICE IMPLANT OR ACUTE COMPLEX CNS PRINCIPAL DIAGNOSIS WITH MCC O | 023 | $229,814 | $114,907 | — | 4.7x |
| CRANIOTOMY AND ENDOVASCULAR INTRACRANIAL PROCEDURES WITHOUT CC/MCC | 027 | $108,628 | $54,314 | — | 4.7x |
| MAJOR CHEST PROCEDURES WITH CC | 164 | $115,585 | $57,793 | — | 4.6x |
| PANCREAS, LIVER AND SHUNT PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 405 | $211,274 | $105,637 | — | 4.5x |
| SYNCOPE AND COLLAPSE | 312 | $39,861 | $19,931 | — | 4.5x |
| ENDOVASCULAR CARDIAC VALVE REPLACEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 266 | $278,157 | $139,078 | — | 4.5x |
| ESOPHAGITIS, GASTROENTERITIS AND MISCELLANEOUS DIGESTIVE DISORDERS WITHOUT MCC | 392 | $35,581 | $17,790 | — | 4.4x |
| SPINAL FUSION EXCEPT CERVICAL WITHOUT MCC | 460 | $136,849 | $68,424 | — | 4.4x |
| INFECTIOUS AND PARASITIC DISEASES WITH O.R. PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 853 | $203,329 | $101,664 | — | 4.4x |
| OTHER MAJOR CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES WITH MCC | 270 | $222,635 | $111,317 | — | 4.4x |
| PERCUTANEOUS AND OTHER INTRACARDIAC PROCEDURES WITHOUT MCC | 274 | $135,380 | $67,690 | — | 4.3x |
Showing 50 of 78 procedures
How SSM HEALTH SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL compares to nearby hospitals
Comparison based on average markup ratios from federal hospital pricing data (FY 2024). Chargemaster rates are gross charges — they are not what most insured patients pay. Actual costs depend on your insurance plan, negotiated rates, and coverage terms. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Verify costs directly with your provider and insurer.
Got a bill from SSM HEALTH SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL?
Upload your bill and our AI compares every line item against these benchmark prices. Free analysis in 60 seconds. You only pay if we find savings.
Pricing data from federal hospital transparency files and physician fee schedules. Last updated: . All data is publicly available under federal law.
FAQ — nonprofit-religious hospital billing
How do nonprofit religious hospital charges compare to Medicare rates?
What does a 5.4x Medicare markup mean for my medical bills?
Are nonprofit religious hospitals required to offer financial assistance?
How can I find out the actual charges at a specific nonprofit religious hospital?
Related pricing data
Got a bill from SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital?
Free guides to help you take action
Data: Federal hospital pricing data, updated annually. All data publicly available under federal law.
Methodology: Hospital gross charges divided by Medicare payment for the same DRG. A ratio of 3.0x means the hospital's listed price is 3 times what Medicare pays. Chargemaster rates are list prices — they are not what most insured patients pay. Grades measure pricing patterns only — not quality of care or clinical performance.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical, financial, or legal advice. Actual costs depend on your insurance and provider. We recommend verifying costs directly with your provider. Full methodology · Terms of use