CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, knee or other leg joint

Facility: Rush University Medical Center

Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 73721
Insurance Median: $1,303
Cash Discount Price: $1,297
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.35x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, knee or other leg joint at Rush University Medical Center is $1,303. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,297. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.35x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,297

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,303

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: $1,297 (532%)

Insurance Median: $1,303 (535%)

Cash: $1,297 (532% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,303 (535% 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 535% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 435%). 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
Aetna	$263 - $2,594	108%
Molina Fide-Snp	$266	109%
Meridian Dnsp	$268	110%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$303 - $2,594	124%
County Care Mcaid - All Plans	$303	124%
Meridian Mcaid - All Other Plans	$303	124%
Cigna	$307 - $2,594	126%
Molina Mcaid	$321	132%
Ambetter / Centene	$345	142%
Molina Exch - All Other Plans	$348	143%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,379 - $3,502	566%
Devoted Mcr Adv - All Plans	$2,594	1064%
Humana	$2,594	1064%
Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Plans	$2,594	1064%
Zing Hlth Mcr Adv - All Plans	$2,750	1128%

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 $1,297.
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 Rush University Medical Center 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.