CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $2,411
Cash Discount Price: $3,247
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.89x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $2,411. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,247. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,247

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,411

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: $3,247 (1332%)

Insurance Median: $2,411 (989%)

Cash: $3,247 (1332% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,411 (989% 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 989% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 889%). 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
Blue Shield	$606 - $2,762	249%
County Medical Services	$606	249%
Kaiser	$606 - $1,212	249%
Epic Americas	$1,212	497%
Health Net	$1,212 - $3,333	497%
Aetna	$1,286 - $2,641	528%
Multiplan	$1,286	528%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,286 - $3,896	528%
Cigna	$2,381	977%
Managed Health Network	$2,749	1128%
Molina	$2,749 - $3,247	1128%
Community Health Group	$2,762 - $31,171	1133%
Allianz Global Assistance	$2,872 - $3,030	1178%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$3,030 - $4,242	1243%
Medi-Cal	$3,030	1243%

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 $3,247.
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 Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center 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.