CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Sierra View Medical Center

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,825
Cash Discount Price: $2,225
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.49x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Sierra View Medical Center is $1,825. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,225. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.49x the Medicare baseline. Located in 465 W Putnam Ave, Porterville, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,225

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,825

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: $2,225 (913%)

Insurance Median: $1,825 (749%)

Cash: $2,225 (913% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,825 (749% 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 749% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 649%). 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
Dignity Health	$307 - $390	126%
Healthnet	$307 - $2,662	126%
Humana	$307	126%
Lasalle	$307 - $390	126%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$390 - $1,000	160%
Aetna	$1,825 - $2,174	749%
Kaiser	$1,965 - $2,484	806%
Multiplan	$2,162 - $3,017	887%
Healthsmart	$2,386 - $3,017	979%
Blue Shield	$2,504 - $3,166	1027%
Cigna	$2,526 - $3,194	1036%

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 $2,225.
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 Sierra View 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.