CMS Price Transparency Data

Hip or knee replacement (inpatient stay)

Facility: Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center

Billing Code: 470 (MS-DRG)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 470
Insurance Median: $16,183
Cash Discount Price: $65,843
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Hip or knee replacement (inpatient stay) at Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center is $16,183. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $65,843. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $14,044.15, this hospital’s rate is 1.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$65,843

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$16,183

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$14,044.15

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $14,044.15 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $65,843 (469%)

Insurance Median: $16,183 (115%)

Cash: $65,843 (469% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $16,183 (115% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $14,044.15 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
Aetna	$14,972	107%
Medicare (plans)	$14,972 - $15,430	107%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$15,121	108%
UnitedHealthcare	$15,271 - $22,863	109%
Iowa Total Care	$15,995	114%
Medicaid / KanCare	$16,152 - $16,215	115%
Oscar	$19,838	141%
Amish Hospital Aid	$20,319	145%
Geha	$22,863	163%
Centivo	$25,360	181%
Ambetter / Centene	$25,666	183%
Claimdoc	$30,707	219%
Nova	$30,707	219%

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 $65,843.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify MS-DRG Code matches exactly: 470.

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 470.
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.