CMS Price Transparency Data

Inguinal hernia repair

Facility: The East Alabama Healthcare Authority

Billing Code: 49505 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 49505
Insurance Median: $3,198
Cash Discount Price: $3,717
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Inguinal hernia repair at The East Alabama Healthcare Authority is $3,198. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,717. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,657.95, this hospital’s rate is 0.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,717

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,198

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3,657.95

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3,657.95 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $3,717 (102%)

Insurance Median: $3,198 (87%)

Cash: $3,717 (102% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,198 (87% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3,657.95 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$74 - $6,759	2%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$74 - $3,904	2%
Cigna	$74 - $6,293	2%
Humana	$74 - $6,133	2%
Simpra	$74 - $3,198	2%
Viva	$74 - $7,947	2%
Novanet	$1,014	28%
Beechstreet	$2,905 - $5,745	79%
Alabama Crime Victims	$3,380	92%
Mcm Maxcare	$5,407	148%
Mega Life	$5,407	148%
UnitedHealthcare	$5,407	148%
Coventry First Health	$5,745	157%
Geha	$5,745	157%
Multiplan	$5,745	157%
Workers Comp	$5,745	157%
Trpn	$6,083	166%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $3,717.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 49505.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm The East Alabama Healthcare Authority is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 49505.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.