CMS Price Transparency Data

Cataract surgery with lens implant

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 66984 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 66984
Insurance Median: $4,026
Cash Discount Price: $8,788
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Cataract surgery with lens implant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $4,026. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $8,788. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $2,357.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$8,788

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,026

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$2,357.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $2,357.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $8,788 (373%)

Insurance Median: $4,026 (171%)

Cash: $8,788 (373% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,026 (171% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $2,357.81 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
Curaechoice [6100]	$2,247	95%
Healthlink [125]	$2,982 - $5,282	126%
UnitedHealthcare	$4,026 - $4,474	171%

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 $8,788.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 66984.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Northwestern Memorial Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 66984.
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.