CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $6,637
Cash Discount Price: $14,944
vs. Medicare Baseline: 27.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital is $6,637. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $14,944. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 27.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 S Potomac St, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$14,944

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$6,637

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: $14,944 (6130%)

Insurance Median: $6,637 (2723%)

Cash: $14,944 (6130% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $6,637 (2723% 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 2723% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2623%). 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 Cross Blue Shield	$155 - $14,708	64%
Pinnacol Workers Comp	$377	155%
United	$391 - $8,944	160%
Multiplan	$393 - $17,888	161%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$518	212%
Vail Health	$1,537 - $3,021	631%
Aetna	$1,552 - $2,352	637%
Bright Health	$3,033 - $5,963	1244%
Colorado Program For Children With Special Needs	$4,246 - $8,348	1742%
Cigna	$5,054 - $12,720	2073%
Western Plains Community Health	$6,571 - $12,919	2696%
Northcare	$7,076 - $13,913	2903%
Physician Health Partners	$7,076 - $13,913	2903%
Medical Development International	$8,087 - $15,900	3317%
Prime Health	$9,098 - $17,888	3732%

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 $14,944.
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 The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital 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.