CMS Price Transparency Data

Bunion correction surgery

Facility: University of Colorado Hospital Authority

Billing Code: 28296 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 28296
Insurance Median: $3,972
Cash Discount Price: $3,450
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Bunion correction surgery at University of Colorado Hospital Authority is $3,972. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,450. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $3,342.87, this hospital’s rate is 1.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12605 E 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,450

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,972

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: $3,450 (103%)

Insurance Median: $3,972 (119%)

Cash: $3,450 (103% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,972 (119% 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.

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 Cross Blue Shield	$2,378 - $5,797	71%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,163 - $9,622	95%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$3,217 - $5,027	96%
Aetna	$3,261 - $6,906	98%
Cigna	$3,261 - $5,122	98%
Cms	$3,261	98%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$3,261 - $5,224	98%
Devoted Health	$3,261	98%
Humana	$3,261	98%
Kaiser	$3,261 - $5,788	98%
Select Health	$3,261 - $4,005	98%
Kaiser Public Option	$3,848	115%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$3,972 - $4,239	119%
Phcs	$5,421	162%
Multiplan	$5,914	177%
First Health	$6,900	206%
Midlands Choice	$6,900	206%

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 $3,450.
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 University of Colorado Hospital Authority 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.