CMS Price Transparency Data

Bunion correction surgery

Facility: The Children's Hospital of Alabama

Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 28296
Insurance Median: $17,540
Cash Discount Price: $7,542
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.25x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Bunion correction surgery at The Children's Hospital of Alabama is $17,540. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $7,542. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 5.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1600 Seventh Avenue South, Birmingham, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$7,542

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$17,540

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$3,342.87

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $3,342.87 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $7,542 (226%)

Insurance Median: $17,540 (525%)

Cash: $7,542 (226% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $17,540 (525% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $3,342.87 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 525% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 425%). 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
Tricare	$1,383	41%
Aetna	$17,540	525%
Behavioral Hlth Sys [100258]	$17,540	525%
Cigna	$17,540	525%
Claritev [100309]	$17,540	525%
UnitedHealthcare	$17,540	525%
Viva [100269]	$17,540	525%

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 $7,542.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 28296.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm The Children's Hospital of Alabama is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 28296.
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.