CMS Price Transparency Data

Heart stent placement (inpatient stay)

Facility: Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center

Billing Code: 322 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 322
Insurance Median: $14,131
Cash Discount Price: $68,026
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.10x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Heart stent placement (inpatient stay) at Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center is $14,131. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $68,026. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $12,807.1, this hospital’s rate is 1.10x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$68,026

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$14,131

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$12,807.1

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $12,807.1 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $68,026 (531%)

Insurance Median: $14,131 (110%)

Cash: $68,026 (531% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $14,131 (110% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $12,807.1 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
Iowa Total Care	$11,511	90%
Medicaid / KanCare	$11,623 - $11,669	91%
Aetna	$13,783	108%
Medicare (plans)	$13,783 - $14,204	108%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$13,920	109%
UnitedHealthcare	$14,058 - $20,897	110%
Oscar	$18,262	143%
Amish Hospital Aid	$18,705	146%
Geha	$20,897	163%
Centivo	$23,346	182%
Ambetter / Centene	$23,627	184%
Claimdoc	$28,268	221%
Nova	$28,268	221%

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 $68,026.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify MS-DRG Code matches exactly: 322.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for MS-DRG code 322.
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.