MRI, knee or other leg joint
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc
Billing Code: 73721 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 73721
- Insurance Median: $224
- Cash Discount Price: $1,271
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.92x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $53 - $626 | 22% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $55 - $251 | 23% |
| Aetna | $55 - $243 | 23% |
| Providrs Care | $86 - $284 | 35% |
| Medicare (plans) | $224 - $228 | 92% |
| Humana | $224 - $226 | 92% |
| Va | $224 | 92% |
| Smarthealth | $313 | 128% |
| Tricare | $338 | 139% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $380 | 156% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $598 - $630 | 245% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For CPT code 73721, representing an MRI of the knee or other leg joint, Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, Inc. lists a cash price of $1,271.00, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $3,177.00. While the facility's negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Medicaid/KanCare range from $53 to $626 and $55 to $251 respectively, these amounts often exceed the cash price. Patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash rate directly more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the insurer's allowed amount could be higher than the out-of-pocket cash cost. To secure the lowest possible price, patients should explicitly request "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts from the hospital before scheduling, as these upfront payment incentives can bypass administrative fees and reduce the final bill.
This procedure's pricing is evaluated against the Medicare benchmark of $243.77, which serves as the federal baseline for healthcare costs. The facility's cash rate of $1,271.00 represents a substantial markup over this benchmark, reflecting the administrative overhead and profit margins inherent in commercial billing structures. It is important to note that while the facility is an acute care hospital in Manhattan, KS, with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, the negotiated rates vary widely by payer, with some plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield allowing up to $630. Consumers should be aware that balance billing is generally prohibited for emergency care under the No Surprises Act, but patients should still verify their specific plan status and request an itemized bill to ensure