CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,688
Cash Discount Price: $3,225
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.92x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $1,688. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,225. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.92x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,225

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,688

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: $3,225 (1323%)

Insurance Median: $1,688 (692%)

Cash: $3,225 (1323% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,688 (692% 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 692% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 592%). 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
Immergrun	$94 - $1,152	39%
One Call Medical, Inc.	$150 - $900	62%
Aetna	$185 - $3,547	76%
Iowa Total Care	$185 - $1,843	76%
Medical Associates	$185 - $2,304	76%
Molina Healthcare	$185 - $1,843	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$185 - $2,294	76%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$189 - $2,211	78%
Healthpartners	$189 - $3,916	78%
American Health Plan	$195 - $239	80%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$195 - $239	80%
Oscar Health	$237 - $2,902	97%
Great River Health Systems	$263 - $3,225	108%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$282 - $3,455	116%
Sedgwick	$301 - $3,686	123%
Global Excel	$320 - $3,916	131%
Sanford Health Plan	$320 - $3,916	131%
Employee Benefit Systems	$331 - $4,146	136%
Sisco	$331 - $4,054	136%
Healthsmart	$338 - $4,146	139%
Hfn	$346 - $4,238	142%
Multiplan	$346 - $4,238	142%
Aplos Health Plan	$529 - $3,686	217%
Midlands Choice	$1,469 - $2,995	603%

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 $3,225.
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 University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics 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.