CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: University of Colorado Hospital Authority

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,102
Cash Discount Price: $1,599
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at University of Colorado Hospital Authority is $1,102. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,599. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12605 E 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,599

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,102

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: $1,599 (656%)

Insurance Median: $1,102 (452%)

Cash: $1,599 (656% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,102 (452% 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 452% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 352%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$236 - $1,569	97%
Aetna	$243 - $1,438	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$243 - $2,686	100%
Cigna	$243 - $746	100%
Cms	$243	100%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$243 - $2,421	100%
Devoted Health	$243	100%
Humana	$243	100%
Kaiser	$243 - $2,682	100%
Select Health	$243 - $547	100%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$772 - $813	317%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$1,491 - $2,330	612%
Kaiser Public Option	$1,783	731%
Phcs	$2,512	1030%
Multiplan	$2,741	1124%
First Health	$3,198	1312%
Midlands Choice	$3,198	1312%

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 $1,599.
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 University of Colorado Hospital Authority 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.