CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $2,114
Cash Discount Price: $2,077
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.67x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $2,114. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,077. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.67x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,077

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,114

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,077 (852%)

Insurance Median: $2,114 (867%)

Cash: $2,077 (852% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,114 (867% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 867% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 767%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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	$124 - $2,057	51%
Cigna	$637 - $2,124	261%
Viva	$1,300 - $1,469	533%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,538	631%
Phcs	$1,560 - $2,057	640%
Beech Street	$1,612 - $2,057	661%
One Health Plan	$1,690 - $1,910	693%
Geha	$1,820 - $2,057	747%
Healthchoice	$1,820 - $2,057	747%
Alamed	$2,036 - $2,300	835%
Construction Claims Management	$2,104 - $2,377	863%
Multiplan	$2,132 - $2,409	875%
Corvel	$2,149 - $2,644	882%
Novanet	$2,171 - $2,453	891%
Humana	$2,210 - $2,497	907%
Department Of Labor	$2,262 - $2,556	928%
Heritage Summit Health	$2,262 - $2,556	928%
Pnoa	$2,340 - $2,644	960%
Three Rivers	$2,340 - $2,644	960%

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 $2,077.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 73721.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 73721.
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.